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SEVENTH HEAVEN 






A Play 
in 
Three Acts 



AUSTIN STRONG 



Copyright in Canada, 1922, by Austin Strong 

and John Golden 
Copyright in United States, 1922, by Austin 

"strong and John Golden 
Copyright in Great Britain, 1922, by Austin 

Strong and John Golden 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



NEW YORK LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

Publisher Publisher 

28-30 West ;?Sth St. 2(1, Southampton St.. 
Strand 



i 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 



A Play 

in 

Three Acts 



BY 

AUSTIN STRONG 



Copyright in Canada, 1922, by Austin Strong 

and John Golden 
Copyright in United States, 1922, by Austin 

Strong and John Golden 
Copyright in Great Britain, 1922, by Austin 

Strong and John Golden 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



NEW YORK LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

Publisher Publishcr 

28-30 West 38th St. 26, Southampton St., 
Strand 



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JOHN GOLDEN 

Presents 

SEVENTH HEAVEN 

A Play by 
Al'STIN STRONG 

Staged under the direction of JOHN GOLDEN 

Produced at The Booth Theatre 
New York City, on October 30, 1922 



The Cast of Characters 

BOUL' HUBERT DRUCE 

THE R.AT FRED HOLLOWAY 

ARLETTE BEATRICE NOYES 

MAXIMILLIAN GOBIN ALFRED KAPPELER 

NANA MARION .KERBY 

RECAN BERNARD THORNTON 

DIANE HELEN MENKEN 

BRISSAC FRANK MORGAN 

BLONDE RICHARD CARLYLE 

PERE CHEVILLON WILLIAM POST 

SERGEANT OF POLICE JOHN CLEMENTS 

UNCLE GEORGES HARRY FORSMAN 

AUNT VALENTINE ISABEL WEST 

CHICO GEORGE GAUL 

LAMPLIGHTER LIONEL JOSEPH 

ACT I.— A street in Paris. 

ACT II. — "Heaven." Three days later. 

ACT III. — Four veais later. 



Executive Staff for John Golden 

E. G. Cooke General Manager 

\V. M. Goddard Company Manager 

P. E. McCoy General Stage Director 

G. B. Breitigam Press Representative 

John Clements Stage Manager 

John Higham Technical Director 

William Hanna Master Carpenter 

Crawford Pyne Master of Properties 

James Bell Master Electrician 



Act I 




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Seventh Heaven 



ACT I 



(The curtain rises, disclosing a street in the 
Paris slums. It is a ''ciil de sac'' knoitm as "The 
Hole in the Sock". At the Right of stage, under 
thd shadow of a ragged awning is the entrance to 
the "Mouth,'' a disreputable wine shop, which 
leans tipsily over a strip of sidewalk on which is 
an iron lamp post. Across the way is a drab 
stone house with all the windows closed. Stone 
steps, guarded by an iron rail lead into this house, 
and at the foot and side of the stairs is an old ash 
barrell filled with ashes. 

{Between these tivo sinners there rises at rear 
the massive wall and buttresses of the "Church of 
Heave'nly Angels". Its dust-blurred windows are 
heavily barred, as though to keep all goodness 
within. A round sewer trap is in the gutter 
Centre. There is a little lane at Upper Right 
leading off around to the front of the church. In 
the gutter lies an empty wine cask. 

(We hang between Heaven and Hell with des- 
truction to the Right and Left of us. 

{A night-hawk with a burnt-brick face is 
cranking the engine of a very dilapidated-looking 
taxicab. He is knoum as BOUL' and plies his 
trade at night scuttling about in his wicked old 
chariot bearing dubious freight to dark and ques- 
tionable places. He still affects the red waistcoat, 
coat of many capes, and the white painted hat of 
the cocher. 

{As the curtaiji rises, Boul' cranks machine. 
Sergeant enters U.R., leans over ivatchi?ig him; 
after two futile efforts at cranking, Boul stands 
back disgusted, when the Sergeant sympatheci- 
cally asks): 



6 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Sergeant. — C^n't you get it started? 
BouL. — Yes. I'm just doing this for exercise! 

(Sergeant gives him a look of disgust and 
exits L.) 

(BouL cranks again; no result. Again he 
cranks, when the engine whirrs. Quickly he 
runs to steering wheel ivhen the engine stops with 
a loud hang; he looks into the hood and sparks fly 
into his face.) 

{Then out of the Inn comes the Sewer Rat, a 
small, long-nosed creature with the remnant of a 
heard and a quick, beady eye. He carries a 
canvas hundle. Enters quickly and opens the 
sewer trap, about to disappear when out of the 
Inn runs Arlette — a young girl in short skirts 
and pigtail — wearing a blue apron. She catches 
the Rat and pulls him up by the neck of his collar.) 

Arlette. — You thief, you! I SAW you! 

(Rat (whining). — But I paid for my drink! 
Let go my neck! 

Arlette (Shaking finger in his face). — You 
stole a bottle of wine from the counter — (slaps 
his face)— when you thought my back was 
turned — I saw you in the mirror — (slap) — Give 
it to me or I'll call the Sergeant of Police. 

Rat. — I haven't got your bottle! Call the 
police if you want to! 

Arlette ( Yelling) .—POLICE. 

Sewer Rat (Jumping to his feet and going 
Left of her). — My God — s-s-sch! You don't 
have to take me seriously! 

Arlette. — POL — ! 

BouL (Coming up behind her — putting a large 
hand over her mouth). — Hush, my dear, don't 
stir up the enemy! Hand it over — ^hand it over 
to the lady, Sewer Rat! (Rat produces a large 
bottle of wine from among his rags). — There's your 
bottle, sweet child! 

Arlette (Grabbing it and going between them 
urns to Boul). — You old thief, you! (Start 



S E V E N T H H K A V K N 7 

toward Inn; then turns). As for you, Sewer Rat, 
don't you ever come in here aj?ain or I'll have 
my father open a bottle on your head! {She 
exits into Inn). 

BouL.— Huh! 

{A pause. Rat ivith a glance about comes 
stealthily to Boul, opens the palm of a dirty hand 
and shows a glittering brooch.) 

Rat. — Look! 

Boul. — It isn't real! 

Rat (Handing him the brooch). — It should 
bring five francs. 

Boul (Pocketing it). — You'll be lucky if I get 
two! 

Rat. — ^There's no profit in that. 

Boul. — It's all profit for you, Sewer Rat. 

Boul. — What have you got there? 

Rat. — Chico's supper. 

Boul. — Oh! So we're to dine up here, are 
we? Good! Well, go down in your hole and 
tell your master Chico, not to keep me waiting 
as he did yesterday. It's close on six now. — 
(Go up to cab and throw food in taxi.) — I'll give 
him till the quarter hour. 

Rat. — I'll come and eat with you? 

Boul — (Grozvling). — You're not invited. 

Rat — (Looking carefully off-stage at the Inn 
and turning his back to it, gently produces another 
bottle from his rags) — Supposing — supposing I 
can bring this? 

BouL.^ — -Look out! — (Half hiding it under his 
coat) — Pretty work! Pretty work! 

(Sewer Rat goes into trap. With a glance at 
the Inn, Boul smiles as he examines the label, 
whistles and kisses the bottle tenderly) — For this, 
my friend, you shall be guest of honor! — Puts the 
bottle in the cab). 

(Monsieur Boussonet Gorix has entered, 
from L. pulling after him his hose, an affair of 



8 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

jointed pipes on little wheels. He wears a linen 
blouse, leather apron and peaked hat. He has 
the reputation of having the largest and most 
beautiful mustachios in this quarter. He lays 
down his hose in the gutter, beside the stone stair- 
way and walks without haste toward the Inn.) 

Rat. — I'll tell Chico to hurry — {He quickly 
exits down the hole). 

BouL. — ^Good evening, Maximilian Gobin! 

(GoBiN with his nose in the air, fails to notice 
him and goes into the cafe as Nana, entering un- 
steadily from the Inn bumps into Gobin. Gobin 
brushes his blouse, disgusted with the contact; 
Nana is dressed in dark clothes, a black crotchetted 
shawl, feet shod in black felt slippers; hair 
beautifully dressed. She has a Spanish look to 
her. A superb black cat. 

Nana. — Look where you're going! 

Gobin — (Disgusted) . — Ah-ah ! — (Exits.) 

(Nana crosses stage; as she passes Boul he 
speaks) . 

Boul — (Following her Left). — -Hey, Nana! 

Nana.— Well? 

Boul — (Showing brooch). — What can you 
bring me for that? 

Nana — (Taking it). — Half of what I get. 

Boul. — And do it yourself. Don't send the 
young one! 

Nana. — ^I'U do it my way or not at all. 

Boul. — ^Very well — very well. But be careful 
— ^the police have been very active here lately. 
(Crossing to cab.) 

Nana — (Crosses Left to steps). — Police! I'm 
not afraid of the police ! — (She has crossed to steps 
to the house; goes up them as Gobin enters from 
the Cafe, wiping his mustachios) — (Indicating 
Gobin). — Let them take that swine to their 
slaughter house! — (She exits into house Left). 

Boul — (Laughlingly to Gobin). — She means 
you — Maximilian Gobin! 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 

GoBiN — {Picking up Iwse; starts U.L.)- — 
Bah! If I had my way I'd turn my hose on all 
you street scum! 

(Paul Recan enters from U.L., the private 
secretary to Brissac, a very modern, beautifully 
dressed youth icitJi a hard face.) 

(GoBiN exits, dragging his hose off). 

(BouL gives a sigh of relief. The "Angelus" 
bell booms high above in the church.) 

BouL — (Removing his hat prays aloud with 
enthusiasm) . — ^"Angeles Domini Muntiavit — ave 
Marie," etc., etc. 

(Recan looks about, walks up Left of Boul 
and smiles). 

Recan. — Are you religious? 

BouL. — Very, young man, very. — Taxi? — 
(Recan has crossed to Right to the sidewalk.) 

Recan. — No, thanks. 

Boul. — It's just as well. I cannot get it 
started anyway. 

Recan — (Turning). — What's your name? 

Boul. — Boul'. 

Recan.^ — Boul? 

Boul — (With a flourish). — Boul — short for 
Boulevard. 

Recan. — Is that your cab? 

Boul. — It is — more's the pity. 

Recan. — How long have you had it? 

Boul. — Only two days, and I don't under- 
stand her. 

Recan. — No — I mean, how long have you 
had it stationed here? 

Boul. — Since early morning. 

Recan. — That's against the rules. 

Boul — (Who has been eyeing him suspiciously). 
— You're not the police! 

Recan. — Never mind who I am — ^you must 
keep moving. 

Boul — (With a shrug).— I know that — But 
Eloise doesn't. 



10 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Recan. — Eloise? 

BouL. — I named it after my old horse, Eloise. 
— {Pointing to horseshoe over door) — ^That was her 
shoe. They are very much. like. Eloise was 
stubborn, but I mastered her just before she 
died. — {Turns crank and there is a noise.) — 
This new Eloise — ^this thing of tin and grease — ■ 
I shall conquer her yet! 

(Arlette enters a?id stands in door of Inn.) 

Recan. — Well, get along as soon as you can. 

Arlette — {Coming forivard a little). — Thank 
you! My father says that thing is a public 
nuisance. 

Bovi.— {Going U.R. to his taxi and petting it. 
Grumblingly) . — -You know, I think Eloise is sick! 

Recan — (Half -smiling) . — Sick", eh ? 

Eloise. — -Bang!! 

BouL — {Kicks her mudguard). — Shut up, 
idiot! — {Crosses up to Arlette with pail) — 
May I borrow some water for Eloise? 

Arlette.- — -If it will get you away from here 
sooner — -yes! — {Exit BouL into wine shop). 

Recan — {To Arlette in a low voice). — Has 
the Colonel been here? 

Arlette — Is he coming again today? 

Recan — {Nodding). — Yes — with another gen- 
tleman — and mind, keep your mouth shut! — 
{Exits into wine shop). 

Arlette — (Following him off). — Of course, of 
course. — {Exits talking.) 

Nana's VoiCE~{Off-stage).—Get out!— (^ 
terrified girl is hurled backwards out of the house 
left and against the iron railing at head of the 
stairway.) 

Diane — {In real terror). — Nana — ^please— 
Nana — please — please — ^(Nana e?iters and farily 
towers above her; she grasps Diane by the throat 
with her left hand; speaks in husky voice). 

Nana.— Take it back, Diane, or I'll split your 
head open! Take it back, I tell you— take it 
back! 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 11 . 

Diane. — I do — I do! * • 

Nana — {In triumph, throws whip from under 
her shawl backivards into the house). — Ha! Now 
take this to Villcau's and brin^; nie absinthe for 
it! 

Diane. — -No — No! — -{Then grasping the girl 
by the shotilders she jerks her forward, bringing 
their faces close together. In a quiet voice, shaking 
with passion): 

Nana.— You'll do as I tell you! 

Diane. — ^Yes — but Nana, it makes you ter- 
rible! 

Nana — {Taking her by the throat). — I'll break 
your head open! 

Diane. — You're killing me! — {She totters dotim 
steps and sits, almost falling in a heap). 

(BouL enters with a pail of ivater, and starts 
filling radiator. Arlette appears in the door- 
way of the cafe, attracted by the noise of the quarrel) 

Nana. — Diane! Get up! — (Diane does not 
move) — Do you want me to come down to you 
then? — {A pause — no movement) — DIANE! 

Diane.— No— no— Nana, I'll go\~{She half 
rises.) Nana goes into the house. Arlette 
crosses to Diane sympathetically.) 

ARLETTE.-^Why don't you fight her back? 

Diane. — I can't. 

Arlette. — I wish she'd try that whip on me 
once. I'd push it down her throat! 

Diane — {Gets to her feet). — Oh, it's because 
I'm afraid of her. r 

Arlette — {Helping her up). — I^ she wasn't 
your sister, I'd tell the police! 

BouL — {Jumping over keg and coming down to 
Arlette).— POLICE! And get us all into 
trouble? You have horrible ideas — YOU! Lis- 
ten, Diane, I wouldn't try to cross Nana when 
she's like this. When she's been drinking. 
Papa Boul's your friend. — {He goes to her). 

Arlette — {Crossing Right) — .Friend ! 



12 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

€^ 

• 

Recan enters from R. and ivatches Diane.) 
{As Diane starts U.R. Boul returns to front of 
taxi.) 

Recan — {Stopping Arlette at door but watch- 
ing Diane cross). — Arlette, I may want some 
information from you about that girl! 

Arlette. — Oh, you may? Well, you won't 
get it. — -{Exits into cafe.) 

Recan. — I won't, eh? I'll have to find out 
for myself then. 

(Boul exits into Cafe R. closing door. Recan 
exits off-stagd R. after Diane as if following her.) 

{Enter Brissac and M. Blonde accompanied 
hy two gendarmes. Brissac is a distinguished 
man in his early forties, humorous, relaxed, 
charming. He is immaculately dressed. Blonde 
in sharp contrast is an elderly country avocat, in an 
Unfitting frock coat; face is lean and his shrewd 
eyes peer out from under shaggy eyebrows.) 

Brissac — {As they enter, turning to gendarmes) 
■ — -I don't think we'll need you any longer. 
Thank you very much. 

First Gendarme. — ^ You 're quite sure, 
Colonel? 

Brissac. — Quite. — (Gendarmes salute and 
exit left.) 

Blonde. — ^What place is this? 

Brissac. — ^This, my friend, is a cul-de-sac. 

Blonde.— A What? 

Brissac. — No one passes through here. We 
are, as it were, in the bottom of a bag. 

(Rat enters from the trap, blinks at both of them 
and runs off Left.) 

Blonde. — Good Heavens, what's that? 

Brissac. — That, my friend, is a Sewer Rat — 
even in THIS quarter of Paris considered a low 
form of animal life! 

Blonde — {Wiping his face with a large hand- 
kerchief). — Are we safe here, Colonel? 



SEVENTH H E A V R N 13 

Brissac. — We are not! This place — {Indi- 
cating cafe with his cane) — is the famous "Hole 
in the Sock". 

Blonde^ — {Nervously turning to go). — In that 
case — 

Brissac. — Wait! Here is where the sisters 
live! 

(Recan enters swiftly approaching Brissac.) 

Blonde. — What ? 

Brissac — {Pointing to Left with cane). — They 
have a room in that house! 

Reca^— {Coming down Left of De Brissac 
and removing hat). — Colonel! 

Brissac— Ah, Paul! Paul, this is M. 
Felix Blonde, the lawyer for the uncle of the 
girls you have been watching. Blonde, let me 
present Recan, my brilliant and efficient secre- 
tary. You will have to thank him for finding 
the girls. 

Blonde — {Pompously crossing to and shaking 
Regan's hand). — I can never express my 
gratitude, young man. — (Blonde goes L of 
Recan.) 

Brissac. — Were you able to get the girls' 
records frorn the Police Department? 

Recan — {Producing them from brief case). — 
They are here. 

Brissac — {Taking them). — Are the young 
women in the house now? 

Recan. — The elder sister. Nana, is in the 
house. She's just sent out the younger one. 

Brissac — {Furious). — She's gone! You let 
her go? 

Recan. — No. my Colonel. She's being 
watched. She's in a shop at the end of the 
lane. Shall L have her brought to you? 

Brissac. — Er— not yet. I'll talk to the older 
sister first. 

Recan — {Going right toivards steps). — Yes, sir. 
This way, Colonel. 



14 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Brissac — (Starts, stops, looks at the house in 
disgust). — No — no, I think not. Bring her out! 
— (Exit Recan into the house. Brissac returns 
to sidewalk Right.) 

Blonde. — It's a fine thing you're doing, 
Brissac — leaving your important affairs to help 
me find these girls. I can never thank you — 

Brissac — (Looking over the records). — It's 
nothing, old friend. 

Blonde. — You call it nothing? To put your 
whole staff at my disposal! In all fairness I 
should pay YOU the fee I am to receive for 
bringing these girls back to their uncle! 

Brissac. — I am a politician — God help me — 
and we hold our positions by giving and receiving 
favors. 

Blonde. — I see! 

Brissac — (Tapping papers). — These records 
show up your young ladies in rather an unplea- 
sant light. 

Blonde — (Dismayed) . — They've been bad? 

Brissac. — ^One of them has, I m sure. 

Blonde. — That's dreadful! 

Brissac. — Why? 

Blonde — -(A few steps R.). — I'm wondering 
what my client — ^their uncle — will say — ^how 
he will take this news. 

Brissac. — What kind of a man is the ucnle? 

Blonde. — ^Religious. 

Brissac. — That's bad. Protestant? 

Blonde — (Nods) . — Calvinist ! 

Brissac — (Frowning) . — Good God ! 

Blonde. — Of the old, hard, uncompromising 
kind! 

Brissac — (With a grimace). — I know! Uncle 
must never know the facts about these girls. 

Blonde. — But we can't do that — 

De Brissac. — We will do it! Look! 

(Enter Nana from house, followed by Recan.) 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 15 

Blon'de — {In a low tone to De Brissac). — 
Good heavens, she's ill! 

Brissac. — No — absinthe ! 

Recax^ — -{To Nana, and giving her rough 
push). — This way, you! — ^(Blonde crosses Bris- 
Sac Left.) 

Nana. — What do you want with me? 

Recax — {Angrily). — This gentleman wishes 
to speak with you, and you'd better keep a 
decent tongue in your head. 

Brissac. — It's all right, Paul. Just see that 
we are not distrubed. — (Recan retires U.C. and 
stands up-stage on guard.) 

Nana — {Coming to bottom of steps). — What do 
vou want? — (Blonde crosses back and goes 
D.L.) 

Brissac — {Crossing to her; Politely). — A little 
information, that's all. Will you please tell us 
your name? 

Nana — {After a pause) — Arlette du Fois. 

Blonde — {Stepping forward) . — ^Oh no, it isn't. 

Nana — {Retreating a step) . — Monsieur 
Blonde, the lawyer. 

Blonde. — Ah — you remember me, eh? Now 
tell this gentleman your name! 

Nana. — Nana Vulmir. 

Blonde. — Good ! 

Nana. — W^ha-what do you want? 

Blonde. — I have been sent here to help you. 
This gentleman found you for me ! 

Nana. — He is the police? — {Starts up-stage; 
Recan makes a movement down-stage to stop her.) 

Brissac. — Wait — ^wait — -you have nothing to 
fear. 

Nana. — I've done nothing wrong. 

Brissac— I'm very glad to hear \t.— {Con- 
sults records) — Why did you two girls run away 
from your Uncle and Aunt? 

Nana. — They were very poor — treated us 



16 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

like servants — ^made us go to church four times 
a day. You wouldn't like that yourself, would 



you 



Srissac — {With a smile). — No, I can sym- 
pathize with that! 

Nana. — We were willing to go back later, 
when we found how hard it was, but they'd left 
the country. 

Brissac— Your Uncle Georges became a 
trader in the South Seas and has made a fortune 
in the pearl industry. 

• Nana — (Rises and crosses to him). — A fortune! 
You mean Uncle Georges Vulmir is rich! 

Brissac. — So our story DOES interest you? 

Nana — (Crossing to Right). — Uncle Georges 
is rich — and wants us? 

Blonde.— Yes. 

Brissac — (Smilingly). — And so. Nana, your 
troubles are over. — (Nana sinks slowly cw barrel 
in the gutter. Recan stays upstage.) 

Brissac. — ^Congratulations — and now that I 
have brought you together, my part is done. 
Monsieur Blonde will take charge of you.— 
(Crosses up to Recan) — Here, Paul. — (Hands 
him papers which Recan returns to portfolio.) 

Blonde. — (Going to Brissac and just above 
him Left.) — Again I must thank you. 

Brissac. — Nonsense. I have thoroughly en- 
joyed the experience. Quite a romance, eh, 
Nana? Out of this into a home of wealth! 

^KN A.— (Dazed) .—Wealth ! 

Brossac — (Taking card and pencil from 
pocket). — Monsieur Blonde will take you to their 
hotel tonight. — (To Blonde) — Hotel St. Roc— 
isn't it? — (Then turning to Nana)^ — ^Rue Comar- 
tin — (Writes address on card). 

Blonde. — Better still — ^they're coming here. 

Brissac — (Turning back to him abruptly).- — ■ 
What's that you say? 

Blonde. — Why, I telegraphed Vulmir when I 



S E V P: N T H H E A V P: N 17 

received your note to meet us here at six — in 
front of this sacristy door. 

Brissac. — That's too bad — {Looks at watch) — 
It's not too late to stop them. They can come 
only one way. Hurry, Blonde. — {Takes his arm 
and starts him off.) 

Blonde — {Starts off Left and then hesitates). — 
I don't understand — 

Brissac — {Going to him). — You surely don't 
want your religious client to find her in that' 
condition — in this environment — 

Blonde — {Vaguely comprehending). — I see — 

Brissac — {Looking at ^^r).— This young 
woman may have made her mistakes, but I 
prefer her to your Calvinist uncle and aunt. 
Take the old people back to their hotel. The 
girls will follow. 

B onde. — Yes. 

Brissac. — I think we can trust Nana to 
invent a good story to tell your uncle, can't we, 
Nana? 

Nana — -{Eagerly at the same time aived). — Oh, 
yes. 

Blonde — {Going U.L.). — I'll go and stop 
them. — {He exits Left.) 

Brissac. — Paul, you go and bring the young 
one here. — (Recan exits U.R.) — Hotel St. Roc 
— Rue Comartin. — {Hands Nana the card) — 
There, go pack your things at once and take 
your sister there as fast as you can. — (Nana, 
rising, goes quickly toward the house, and up 
steps) — Do you think you can pull yourself 
together — give up absinthe? 

Nana — {With an eager laugh). — Huh-uh! Yes, 
sir — yes, sir. — {Exits into house Left.) 

Brissac — {Going upstage). — I wonder! 

YoiCES~{Heard off-stage).— POLlCEl There 
he goes! Catch him! Stop thief! — (Brissac 
gives a shrug as he places a cigarette in his long 
amber holder and goes np-stage to the sacristy door 
watching Boul enter from the wine shop.) 



18 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

{In dashes The Sewer Rat, from U.L. holding 
a fat silver watch and chain, tuhich he hands to 
BouL, who, with one engidfing gesture, pushes the 
Rat into the taxicab, shuts the door and pockets 
the watch. Voices grow louder. Boul indus- 
triously rubs his taxi with a cloth. 

(Sergeant of Police dashes on followed by a 
Priest, a human little man with an honest face. 
His spectacles hang from one of his ears. He is 
clinging to the Sergeant's coat tails.) 

Sergeant. — Let me go — I can catch the thief 
and arrest him! 

Pere Chevillox — {Going front of him and 
pushing him back. They are just left of cab). — 
But I don't want him arrested! 

Sergeant. — But he STOLE your watch, good 
father . 

Pere Chevillon. — It was my joke! 

Brissac — {Coming down Right of Chevillon). 
— You call it a joke to be robbed of your watch? 

Chevillon. — ^But the watch has no value — 
it is made of tin! 

Sergeant. — Tin ! 

Brissac. — {Stepping fonvard with an interest- 
ed smile). — Tin! 

BouL.^ — Tin! — {Scratching his head ruefully, 
he exits into Inn R.) 

Chevillon — {To Brissac). — Yes. With a tin 
watch as my bait, I find out who the thieves are, 
and when I've found them, I convert and bap- 
tize the rascals — is it not a good joke on them? 
You see, I buy them by the dozen at the Bon 
Marche. — {Holds up three fat watches and chains.) 

S'E'R.GEKHT— {Laughing, as he goes off U.L.). — 
Ha, ha! Good day, Father. The man who has 
it now must feel a fine fool! — {He exits.) 

Brissac — {Stepping forward). — Bravo! You 
are a priest after my own heart! Here! — {Open- 
ing door of taxi, and reaching in, he pulls the Rat 
out by the ear and swings him around between 



SEVENTH H K A V K N 19 

them.) — I pick the snail out of his shell for you — 
here's your convert! I would advise baptism 
on the spot— he neec^s a bath. — (Closes cab door 
and dusts fingers.) 

P.ERE Chevillox — {Holding his sides). — Ha, 
ha! La, la! What a prize — (They both laugh.) 

Brissac. — Can you make a saint of that? 

Chkvillox — (With a shrug). — Not perhaps in 
a moment, but now that we know him and his 
weakness, we will help him in good time. What's 
your name, my poor child? 

Rat. — ^Pierre. 

Che VILLON. — Where do you work? 

Rat — (Crossing to seiver). — ^In the sewer with 
Chico. — (Opens sewer trap.) 

Chevillon — {Delighted). — Chico! The very 
man I've been looking for — won't you bring him 
to me? 

Rat — (Frowning). — Chico hates priests! . 

Brissac. — Hates priests — ^why? 

Rat — (Opens sewer) — Because he is an atheist! 

Brissac- — An atheist — evidently you are bad- 
ly needed here, good Father. 

Chevillon. — Yet that atheist saved a priest's 
life. My nose in a book — an omnibus on top 
of me — when the ground opened and Chico rose 
like St. Aloysius and snatched me away from 
death! Child — go and tell Chico his friend is 
the new priest here at the church of the Heavenly 
Angels — to come and see me, for I have some- 
thing very important to give him. Do you 
und2r3tand? 

Rat. — 'Yes, Monsieur: 

Chevillon — (Pointing his finger menacingly 
at his nose). — As for you — no more pocket- 
picking! From now on you are going to be good 
— aren't you? 

Rat — (Gets seiver open and is half into it). — 
Oh, I hope so! 

Chevillon. — You can't escape me! I shall 



20 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

haunt you — I shall follow you to the uttermost 
depths of the sewer and shall purify you, if I 
have to break every bonQ in your body! — (He 
has followed the Rat with his threatening finger to 
the sewer and the Rat disappears, dosing the 
trap after him.) 

Brissac. — Wonderful, Good Father — wonder- 
ful! 

Chevillon — {Crossing R. to Brissac, taking 
snuff.). — Alas, it isn't altogether the fault of 
these poor children that they are criminals. I 
know the medicine that would cure most of 
their ills. — {Sits on barrel.) 

Brissac. — And what is that, Father? 

Chevillon. — Work! Honest work — up here 
in the sunshine — would save their souls quicker 
than all my sermons. 

Brissac. — The Department needs men in the 
Street Cleaning Service. 

Chevillon. — Yes, but what hope have these 
men against ofificial red tape? 

Brissac. — Well — er — how would you like to 
have the authority to appoint such men as you 
think fit for positions in the Street Service? 

Chevillon. — That would be a privilege 
indeed. 

Brissac— (Hqnding him a card on which he 
has been writing). ~lt is yours! One good man 
like you is worth all our departments; you have 
merely to send them to this address. 

(BouL comes from Inn R. and starts toward 
cab.) 

CaEYiLLON— {Reads) . — Commissioner of Po- 
lice! 

(BouL in horror, turns and hastily retreats into 
Inn.) 

Brissac. — The Commissioner is a good friend 
of mine — he will only be too happy to have your 
cooperation. 

Chevillon — {Rising and going to the sacristy 



SEVENTH HEAVKN 21 

door).— Thank you, my son. You have given 
me real happiness. I will have great fun dis- 
pensing this tonic. Ha, ha! — {Opens the small 
sacristy door, light from ivithin shining on him.) 

Brissac — {Following him up to door). — Life is 
a joke to you, good Father? 

Chevillon. — The Bon Dieu has made the 
world a very amusing place. We all must be 
very droll to Him. He must laugh all the time. 

(Brissac removes his hat as Chevillon exits 
into church. Brissac stands for a moment smiling, 
Walks down Right as Diane enters running 
down the little lane U.R. in terror, followed by 
Recan. She runs into Brissac then turns to 
retreat, but Recan bars the way.) 

Recan. — No, you don't. 

Brissac. — Is this the younger sister, Paul? 

Recan. — Yes, Colonel — I caught her trying 
to sell this — {Hands De Brissac the brooch.) — 
Look up — you — ! — {He thrusts Diane forward 
sharply. She looks up into De Brissac's face.) 

Brissac — {After a pause — half to himself). — 
Are you sure this is the young woman, Paul? 
Why, she's beautiful. 

Recan. ^ — ^Yes, Colonel, this is Dinae Vulmir — 
alias Denis du Fois. — ^(De Brissac gives him a 
significant nod and Recan retires and stands on 
guard U.C.) 

Brissac — {Regarding her thoughtfully for some 
moments, asks in low voice).- — Are you a thief? 

Diane. — No. 

Brissac— Then where did you get this? — 
(Diane hangs her head.) — Stop trembling — 
don't be afraid. 

Diane — {In terror). — Are you the police? 

Brissac — {Shakes his head). — I want to be 
your friend — don't you know it's just as wrong 
to sell a stolen thing as to steal it? 

Diane. — Yes. 

Brissac. — Then this IS stolen? — (Diane 



22 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

starts) — Is somebody making you do this? — 
{Pause, she does not answer) — -You needn't tell 
me anything you don't want to. 

Diane — {Trembling). — Am I going to prison? 
(Recan saunters off U.L.) 

Brissac — {Takes her by the arms and seats her 
on barrel R. of C). — No. Now, if you had a 
chance to be a good girl do you think you could 
stop this sort of thing? 

Diane. — Yes — oh, oh yes! 

Brissac. — Well, your chance has come. 

Diane.— What? 

Brissac- — ^Once you lived for a while with an 
uncle and aunt. 

Diane — {Amazed). — How do you know? 

Brissac- — I should say that was the happiest 
time of your life — wasn't it? 

Diane — {Staring at him).- — Yes. 

Brissac — {Quietly). — Well, they have not for- 
gotten you. 

Diane. — What do you say? 

Brissac — They are here in Paris and they 
want you to come home with them. 

Diane. — Here — they are here? 

Brissac — Yes, and your uncle is able to give 
you every luxury. He is rich! 

Diane.— Rich ! 

Brissac — So now you will have a good home 
care and love. It's like a fairy story, eh? 
— {Opens his palm and shotvs brooch.) 

Di'ane — {Looking at the brooch; hangs her 
head). — But how can we go to them now. It's 
too late. 

Brissac — It is never too late if you are in 
earnest. I've had a talk with your sister — she 
will tell you what to do and say. You must 
forget the past. 

Diane. — We are to lie to them then? 



SEVENTH M F, A V I-: N 23 

Brissac — {Taking a step toward her). — Why 
tell them unhappy truths? 

Diane — (Rising). — Ye-es. I suppose you're 
right. — {Crosses L. to stairs.) 

Brissac — {Gaily). — Come, come — cheer up! 
You're a very young thing and young things, 
given the right surroundings and large quan- 
tities of happiness, can make themselves over in 
no time. 

Diane — {Catching his mood and laughing 
eagerly). — You are kind and I thought you were 
a policeman! 

Brissac. — Ha, ha! Instead of being a police- 
man I'm by way of being a fairy godmother. 
Come, it's delightful in a cynical world and 
warms my heart to be able to wave a magic 
wand. Quick — pack your bag and go to the 
palace before midnight is struck! 

Diane. — The palace? 

Brissac — {Waving an imaginary wa?id). — 
Hotel St. Roc, of course — Rue Comartin. They 
are waiting for you with smiling faces — good 
fortune and romance! 

Diane — {Rims up two steps and then leaning 
over railing gives him her hand — laughing and 
eager). — Thank you — and God bless you. 

{Enter Lamplighter idro lights lamp post 
Left, a bracket lamp on the corner of the house, 
then crosses to lamp-post Right.) 

Brissac. — My kist word of advice — ^be happy. 
For when you smile you are beautiful — lovely! 
Diane — {Happily) . — Good-bye ! 

(Brissac kisses her hand; she turns to go; 
then pauses to watch him go out.) 

Brissac — {Laughing, yet moved). — Au revoir 
— sweet child! — (Dinae exits into house. Bris- 
sac turns gaily and sees the old Lamplighter 
lighting his lamp.) — Hello, Master Liberty! 

Lamplighter — (Soiirley). — My name is Mar- 
go — August Margo! 



24 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Brissac. — But you're lighting the world! — 
(Lamplighter griints and exits U.R. As 
Brissac goes off, he murmurs half to himself.) — • 
Let me see — :who said "Let there be light." — 
Oh yes.— {Exits Left.) 

Vulmir- — {In angry tone — off-stage). — But 
you're wrong — but you're wrong — ■(// is Uncle 
Georges \\]imir followed by Aunt Valentine. 
They enter through the lane U.R. Uncle 
Georges is a tall, solemn man with a missionary 
look. His face is browned by the tropics. Dres- 
sed in pongee, a brown varnished straw hat and 
carrying a whale-bone cane, he makes a strange 
figure in these surroundings. Aunt Valentine 
is dressed in the dark old-fashioned gown.) 
There, what did I tell you, Valentine? This 
lane opens out on the back of the church! 

Valentine — {Always gentle). — I think you're 
right, dear. 

Vulmir. — This must be the sacristy door. 
We were on the wrong side. I told you so. 

Valentine — {Always agreeing) —Yes, dear, 
you're right. 

Vulmir — {Looking about in disgust, as he 
mops his brow). — Now, where's Blonde, the old 
fool!* 

Valentine— (i?ea(f5 /row a note). — The note 
says to wait for him here. 

(Diane appears in doorway L. and stares at 
them.) 

Vulmir. — Wait! I won't wait another 
minute. — {Crossing R. Looking about with dis- 
favor).- — -Do you mean to tell me he found our 
nieces in this dreadful place? Valentine, I 
don't like it. 

Valentine. — Please, Georges, of course 
you're right. But don't let us judge them before 
we've seen them — {He crosses left and up.) 

Vulmir. — Come along. 

Diane — {Coming down the steps and toward 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 25 

them — then hesitating— irresolute.) . — Autn Valen- 
tine! 

Valentine — {Running and embracing her). — 
It's Diane — the little one — the bebe, the dear 
one! 

Diane. — Uncle Georges! I can't believe it's 
you ! 

Valentine. — See, Georges, our bebe is a 
woman — (Valentine holds Diane in her arms 
while VuLMiR holds one of her hands). 

Diane — {Seeing ring on his hand). — I remem- 
ber that ring — it's made of tortoise shell. 

VuLMiR — {With a dry smile). — You remember 
my ring — do you remember the prayers I taught 
you? 

Diane. — Yes. — {Still gripping his hand, she 
lays her heqd on Aunt Valentine's bosom.) — 
How good you smell — of sandal wood — and 
fresh linen — you smell of home. 

Valentine — {Tearfully). — Ha! Ha! You 
heard, Georges, the little puppy! She smells her 
kind. — {Bursts into tears.) 

VuLMiR. — If you keep this up you'll flood the 
Seine! 

Valentine — {Wiping her eyes and fairly 
gidping). — Of course, of course you're right. I 
mustn't — (Nana enters heit.and runs down 
steps.) 

VuLMiR. — Where do you live, Diane? 

Diane. — 'Why, we live — 

Nana. — Uncle Georges — Aunt Valentine — 
how good to see you again! — {Kisses Uncle 
Georges and crosses to Valentine and embraces 
her.) 

VuiMm— {Shocked).— Is THIS Nana? 

Nana. — But we were to meet you at your 
hotel. 

Valentine. — Nana, how pale you look! — 
{Caresses her.) 



26 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

VuLMiR — {Frowning). — You live in THAT 
house? 

Nana— (Fo/mWj'). — Yes, Uncle Georges — and 
you've no idea how hard it has been to keep 
decent in a place like this. — {Starts R. to Diane.) 

Valentine — {Quickly). — We understand, my 
dear. 

Nana — {Going to Diane). — But we have kept 
decent, haven't we, Diane? — (Diane is sitting 
on barrel R. There is a pause as Georges turns 
his eyes 07i Diane, in cold scrutiny. Nana's eyes 
are full of menace. Diane regards them for a 
moment impassively, then turns her head away.) 

Nana — {Hurriedly continuing).- — Poor child, 
she knows how we have struggled. How I've 
had to fight every step of the way to keep flesh 
and bone together — and to protect Diane. It's 
well you came in time. — {Going to her aunt.) 

Valentine. — We had faith in you. We 
always knew the good blood of our family would 
keep you from harm. — {Crossing to Diane.) 

Diane. — But it hasn't. 

Nana. — Diane! 

VuLMiR.— What's that? 

Diane. — I said it hasn't kept us from harm. 

Nana. — Don't listen to hei: — she always 
imagines she's done wrong. 

Diane — {Crossing to Nana). — Oh, what's the 
use — ^lies — lies — ^you'd only find out sooner or 
later. 

Nana.^ — She doesn't mean that. Uncle 
Georges, she just imagines — 

VuLMiR — {Crossing to Diane). — Be quiet, 
you! I want the truth, Diane — the truth. 

Diane.- — -We've not been good. We've not 
been good. 

VuLMiR. — I knew it! I feared it all the time! 

Valentine. — Wait, Georges; of course 
you're right, but — {Going between Diane and 

VULMIR.) 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 27 

VuLMiR — (Crossini^ left and threatemng Nana). 
— Curse this Sodom and Gomorrah. Curse both 
of you ! — Why, you ! 

Aunt Valentine — {Crossing to Vulmir). — 
Georges, please don't be angry. 

Vulmir. — Come away from here! 

Nana. — Please, Uncle Georges, let me ex- 
plain — 

Valentine.- — ^Yes, Georges, let Nana explain. 

Vulmir — (U.C.). — More lies — come away, I 
tell you! 

Valentine. — We can't leave them like this — 
they're poor. 

Vulmir — {Taking from pocket and throwing a 
few hundred-franc notes on the ash-barrel). — ■ 
There, let them have that, then! Get away 
from her! 

Valentine — {Clinging to Diane). — But, 
Georges, they are Ernestine's children! 

Vulmir. — ^Valentine, do you mean to disobey 
me? 

Valentine^ — {Going np to him) — No, Georges, 
of course not, but — 

Vulmir. — Then do as I command. Not 
another word from you, I tell you — ^not another 
word. Come away, Valentine, come away! — 
{He pulls her away from Diane and drags her to 
U.L. Valentine weeping and protesting in- 
articulately. Diane has dropped on the bench. 
Nana deliberately picks up the money and counts 
it, tucking it in her bosom, then turns to Diane 
threateningly.) 

Diane — {Fear turning her feet to stone). — Oh 
no, please, Nana — Nana, please! — (Nana is 
silent ) — Na-na — Nana — please! — (Nana moves 
like a cat toward Diane, who retreats a few steps 
Right, growing iveaker in her terror. Nana comes 
to Diane, who is cringing, pushes her sleeves 
further back, then putting her strong fingers slowly 
through Diane's hair, suddenly clutches at her 
throat. Diane screams and tries vainly to free 



28 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

herself and Nana's fingers deliberately dose 
around her throat and begin slowly with all their 
strength to strangle her. She falls on her back and 
Nana falls with her, clinging to her throat like a 
big, black cat. They lie in the gutter together. On 
second scream, Boul ritns out of the wine shop 
having heard the cries. 

Boul. — Here, here! For the lOve of God^ — 
what are you doing there? Help! Help! Help! 
someone! — {He tries in vain to pull Nana off by 
the shoulders. Suddenly the sewer trap is pushed 
open from below beside Diane' s face and up out of 
the man-hole springs a handsome young giant, 
with curling hair and whip-cord muscles in his 
neck. Wears a gay checked shirt, huge velveteen 
breeches, a red sash, a beret worn at the extreme 
side of his face. He leaps out closing the trap 
showing a smiling flash of white teeth. His hair 
is dishevelled — his clothes worn and shabby.) 

Chico — {In high spirits). — He lo! What the 
devil — hell-cats fighting! 

Boul — {In horror) — She's killing her! 

Chico — {Catching Nana by the back of the 
neck, holds her up like a ca/. -^Stop that! Leave 
her alone! — (Nana hurls herself at him scratching 
his face.) — I'll cut your claws! I'll show you 
what I'll do with you! — {Catching both her ivrists 
he holds them above her head, deftly kicks her feet 
from under her and then slips her body down into 
the manhole out of sight. We hear muffled cries.) 

(Boul in the meanwhile has lifted Diane to the 
taxi, lays her along the mudguard, covering her 
head and shouders with her old shawl. She keeps 
herself covered thus until later cue.) — Now we can 
discus's this more calmly. — {He pulls her up a 
little way.) 

Nana — {In agony of fear). — Don't drop me! 
don't drop me! 

Chico. — ^Now, sweet lady, let us have a little 
reason here. Will you promise — 

Nana. — I'll promise anything. Don't drop 
me! 



SEVENTH H E A V P: N 29 

Chico — {Lifting her out to safety).—Goo(l\ 
Now, if I ever catch you abusing this woman, I 
shall come for you wherever you are. I'll cut 
out your gizzard and fry it. 

Nana — {Under her breath). — Oh, My God! 

Chico. — Get out of here! — [He gives a jump 
at her with arms in air.) — YAH! — (Nana runs 
out in terror U.L. Chico draws a large bandana 
from his trouser pocket, wipes his face.) — Whew! 
Now, I ask you, Comrade Boul, why the devil 
did I do that? It's no affair of mine. I am 
always doing the thing I don't want to do. 
Every time I come up out of the sewer ,1 get into 
trouble. — (R^\t enters from sewer, goes to taxi 
and gets bundle). 

BouL^ — {Who has lain Diane along the mud- 
guard of the taxi, in an awed voice.). — You saved 
her life, Chico. 

Chico — {Removing jacket) . — What good is it? 
W'hy have I saved a creature like that? A 
thousand times better for everyone if she were 
dead. — {Closing trap.) 

Boul — {Patting Diane with rough sympathy 
as she sloivly recovers consciousness). — There — • 
there — your sister won't harm you again. 

Rat. — Dinner is served! 

Chico. — What did you get? 

Rat — {Handing him bundle). — Look! 

Chico — {Picks out large sausage). — 'Trufifles! 
— {A hunk of cheese) — Caviarre de Russe! — 
(Rat crosses to gutter and holds up a big onion) — 
And violets! — -(Boul hands him the bottle of 
wine and loaf of bread which he has unearthed 
from the seat of the taxi) — And champange! — ■ 
(Boul annexes the wine and opens it ivith care. 
Rat peels the onions, while Chico produces a 
long, thin clasp-knife which he opens with a snap 
and cuts the bread against his breast. Boul has 
returned to Diane) — Come, Comrade Boul, leave 
her alone. Dinner is more important. 



30 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

BouL — {Groivling). — Then why do you keep 
me waiting every day now? 

Chico. — The sewer is an exacting master. 
Stop your snout with that! — [Places a hunk of 
bread on the end of his knife and thrusts it towards 
Boul's month. But he is still troubled. He 
rises and goes to Diane, still cutting bread; looks 
down at her with a wry face.) — Still a'little sick, 
eh? Your stomach feels nervous? — Like this? 
■ — {He opens his hand and closes it. Then to 
Rat) — Hey, give me that viloet. — (Rat brings 
a?i onion and stands Left of him as Chico jabs it 
on the end of his knife, placing it under her nose. 
She draws away. Rat laughs loudly.) — There 
you have it — she's cured! — (He gives knife back 
to Rat. Walks away; then turns and looks back 
at her. Rat returns to gutter) — Come, you can't 
stay there. You're going to eat with us! 

Diane — (Weakly). — No, thank you. 

Chico. — ^What's fhat? You don't think I'm 
going to let you sit there like a dead rat and 
spoil our party? 

BouL. — Aw, leave her alone, Chico. 

Chico. — I will not; Come along, get up! — 
(Fie lifts her and assists her down to gutter; where 
she sits at the Right of Rat) — Sit down there — 
here, eat — (Gives her some bread) — You're ,not 
dead. If you keep thinking you're dead — you 
ARE dead! — (Crosses back to Boul) — That's 
true, Boul. I've proved that to myself. That's 
why I know so much. That's why I am a very 
reniarkable fellow. — (Sits) — ^That's why I am 
an atheist! — -(Gobin enters ivith hose). 

BojJL — -(Pointing Left, in a low whisper). — 
Look! — Maximilian Gobin, the Street Washer! 
— (Chico turns swiftly and is plainly awed.) 

Chico — (Aside to Boul). — ^Let's ask him to 
join us! 

Boul,— That snob! Talk to you? You're 
too ow for him, Chico. 

Chico. — Is THAT so? — (Bowing to Gobin as 



S R V K NTH H K A V R N 31 

he crosses to Inn) — Good evening, Citizen Street 
Washer — (Goiun' gives him a surly look as he 
proceeds on his ivay) — Will you do me the honor 
of dining with us? 

GoHix — {Deliberately; lookirig over his shoulder 
at Chico). — DINR with you! No! — {Goes into 
Inn.) 

.Chico — {Hurt; clears his throat). — You're 
right, Boul. 

BouL — {Judicially) — Of course, I'm right. 
Never forget — {Picks up sausage) — the hose 
represents a social position higher than the 
sewer! — {Hands Chico the sausage.) 

Chico. — Social position — {Sits) — Now I ask 
you, what is our liberty, fraternity, equality? 
Words! Words! That's why I'm an atheist. 
Why should that sheep's bladder have the hose 
while I am kept down among the drain pipes? 
ME — -who I know am a very remarkable fellow! 
It's easy to see that I am that! 

Boul. — ^Chico, what made you an atheist? 

Chico. — Everything. Women like that — 
{Jerks his thumh ta Diane) — Did God make her 
on purpose to live in the gutter — to be beaten 
and strangled? 

Boul. — But, Chico, you don't understand. 

Chico. — Oh, I understand right enough. Of 
course, there is no God. You have only to look 
around you at life. 

Boul. — I know there is. 

Chico — How do you know? 

Boul. — I've proved it. 

Chico — {Sits). — -How? 

Boul. — -A hundred ways. 

Chico. — ^All right. Name one! 

Boul. — The idea proves itself. There must 
be a Bon Dieu — ^otherwise who rpade good things 
of life — this wine — this cheese — this onion — 
France — and Frenchmen? 

Chico. — ^Wait! Did the Bon Dieu make me? 



32 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

BouL — {Hesitatingly) . — Certainly ! 

Chico. — And you? 

BouL — {Cheerfully) . — Of course. 

Chico — {Indicating Rat). — And that? 

BouL — {With a look at the Rat; then con- 
fidentially to Chico). — ^We-ell, everybody makes 
mistakes sometimes. 

Chico. — Let's ask HER — {Rises and goes to 
Diane; kicks her foot) — Hey, you! — '(Diane 
looks lip slowly) — Do you believe there is a Bon 
Dieu? 

Diane. — ^I always have — but — 

Chico, — But-but — you see, she doesn't know 
Nobody else does ! 

BouL. — But you've got to have faith, Chico. 
You've got to believe. 

Chico — {Now down Right). — Huh! 

BouL. — I can tell you faith has worked a 
miracle with me! 

Chico. — -A miracle! Pooh! 

BouL. — Pooh, nonsense My old horse, 
Eloise, dropped dead. I had nothing. I prayed 
to St. Antoine for a taxi. Three days later my 
friend Albert died and left me his machine and 
it's been running every since — ^sometimes! 

Chico. — So your good, kind, Bon Dieu — to 
give you that taxi — murders your friend Albert? 

BouL. — Yes^ — no no — yes ! 

Chico — {With derision) . — Yes — no — no — ^yes. 
That's religion. — {Laughs. Crosses around back 
to Left of Boul). 

Bqul — {Filling an old p'pe). — Chico, the 
trouble with you is — you're ignorant! You 
know nothing of the beauty and consolation of 
religion. 

Chico — {Going Left to coat and getting cigar- 
ettes and matches). — Religion — huh! Let me tell 
you something! I'm an atheist because I WAS 
religious! I've gone all through that. 



SEVENTH H K A V F. N 33 

BouL. — Did you ever pray? 

Chico — {Taking Centre). — Pray? How I 
have prayed! I've prayed so long and so loud 
that unless your Bon Dicu was deaf HE MUST 
have heard me. I gave him a fair test — three 
times. 

BouL. — Three times? 

Chico — {Holding up fingers). — Three times! 
First, I prayed for the hose. Above all things, 
you know my ambition was to be a Street 
Washer — -to carry the hose — that thing! — 
{Points to it) — I wanted to wash the streets up 
here among people and sunshine. I chose the 
finest church in Paris — the cathedral of Notre 
Dame — and bought the largest candle in the 
place for five francs. 

BouL — (Awed). — Five francs — that's money! 

Chico — {Nodding gravely). — But I didn't get 
it. So I said perhaps the Bon Dieu, if there is 
any, meant me for a sewer man. You see, I 
am a philosopher. Then I wanted another 
thing — ^AGAIN I lit a candle — -five francs more. 

BouL. — What was that for? 

Chico — {With an embarrassed smile — rather 
wistfully). — A wife with yellow hair. 

BouL — {Laughing) . — A wife? 

Chico. — I prayed for a good wife. I prayed 
till I sweat. Bah — ^nothing turned up. The 
only women I ever see are creatures like that. — 
{He points with disgust at Diane, who turns from 
him with a slight movement. Gets down on his 
haunches before Boul) — But do you think I 
gave up your Bon Dieu then? No, my friend, 
I said: "Monsieur, le Bon Dieu, I'm going to 
give you one more chance — For the third and 
last time — and then if you can't see that there 
is such a one as Chico — Chico can't see that 
there is such a one as You. Good sense, eh? 
So for this last time I prayed — {Searches for a 
word) — for an — an experience! 

Boul. — A what? 



31 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Chico. — Oh, you wouldn't understand. No- 
body would but myself. I wanted once to have 
the experience of feeling like a fine gentleman 
and riding in a taxi-cab. 

BouL. — And you lit another candle for that? 

Chico. — I did — another five francs gone to the 
devil ! 

BouL — (Amused). — But I would have driven 
you for nothing! 

Chico. — I knew you couldn't understand! 
Listen — I wanted to have enough money once 
in my life to climb into a taxi and say, "Fellow, 
make the grand tour. Drive me first to the 
Place Concord; then to the Champs Elysee; 
then to the Arc de Triumph ; then home to 48 
Rue Notre Dame de Lorette and perdition take 
the expense!" 

Bovi.— (Counting on one finger at a time; 
deeply impressed) . — Fifteen francs! 

(Here the priest enters from the church and 
stands listening with a smile.) 

Chico. — Yes. Your Bon Dieu owes me fifteen 
francs. You must admit, Boul, that's a lot of 
money to spend on an idea. But I have proved 
to myself the Bon Dieu does not exist. It is a 
childish idea made for the sentimental and the 
weaklings — that's why I'm an atheist! 

Che VILLON — (Crossing down to Left of Chico). 
— Come, I don't think you really are, my son! 

Rat — (Running behind taxi). — Look out, 
Chico, he'll baptize you! 

Chevillon — (Laughing) .—Wsive no fear, 
Chico. But I can tell you what you are. You'- 
re a fine brave young man, and an old priest owes 
his life to you ! 

Chico — (Eyeing him with distaste, yet politely). 
—Forgive me. Citizen. Why I saved you I 
don't know. I always do the thing I don't 
want to do. Frankly, I don't like priests. — 
(Rat slowly returns from behind taxi.) 

Boul.— For shame, Chico. 



S E \' E N 1^ H H K A V E N 35 

Chevillon. — But then neither do I — not all 
of us — we do look a bit like old crows — but as 
man to man, then, you must see I am under 
obligation to you. I want to do something for 
you. 

Chico — {Haiightily) . — I want nothing in this 
world, Citizen. I am an atheist. I ask for 
nothing. — {Crosses Left of Priest.) 

BoUL — (Rising and crossing R. of priest). — 
Come now, Chico, you mustn't lie«-to a priest. 
It's bad luck! 

Chico. — It's true. I want nothing. 

BouL. — Why, you just told us what you 
wanted! — (To Priest) — Why, he prayed for 
them, Father. He prayed hard for three things. 

Chevillox — (Tivinkling with amusement). — 
Ah! And what were they? 

Chico — (Threateningly) . — BOUL! 

BoUL— (Hit rriedly) . — ^He wanted a ride in a 
taxi-cab with a yellow-haired wife and money 
enough to pay for it — the money to be earned 
from the hose! » 

Chevillon — (Laughing) . — The what? 

BouL — (Dodging Chico). — The hose — the 
hose — that thing! — (He points to it) — He wants 
to be a street washer! 

Chevillon — (Gaily). — Bravo! I can do one 
of these things. The hose is yours — take it; 
you are appointed street washer! 

Chico — (Collapsing, then suspicious) — Wh-at! 
You can do this? 

Chevillon — (Who has been writing on a 
colored religious card which he has taken out of 
his missal). — It is done! — (BouL crosses back 
and sits on curb. Rat sits.) — Take this card to 
the Commissioner. The hose is yours, Chico, 
and the obligation is somewhat paid! — (Pro- 
ducing a small box from the deep pocket of his 
soutain) — Now, I am going to ask you to keep 
these two medals of St. John and St. Agnes I 
bought for you. 



36 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Chico — {Frowning) . — Religious medals? 

Chevillon. — I know it hardly pleases an 
atheist — 

Chtco. — You are right, Citizen. 

Chevillon. — But these two saints will pro- 
tect you from danger. Please don't refuse them. 
They may remind you of the very grateful old 
crow you saved. — (BouL and the Rat go tip near 
taxi. Priest turjis U.L. Boul and Rat return 
to gutter.) -'-And whether you like it or not, Em 
going to. pray for you. — (He turns. Chico 
crosses Centre and look at Priest.) — The Bon 
Dieu has a sense of humor and the joke is on 
you, Chico. Au r^voir, Citizen Street Washer. 
— {He walks down the lane U.L. laughing merrily. 
Chico walks a few steps after him; then stands in 
awe; turn slowly and stares at the others dumb- 
struck. Then looks at the card in his hand.) 
{Wildly) — Em a street washer! I have risen! I 
have risen ! 

Boul. — ^Didn't the Bon Dieu do that? 

Chico — {Suddenly baring his teeth, advances 
towards his companions who retreat before him.) — 
Oh yes, you would say that! If anything good 
happens — oh, yes, a miracle from above. Any- 
thing bad happens-^oh no, we don't mention it. 
We throw it into the sewer. — {But they are wise 
and say nothing. Cmco rubs his poll awed.) — 
Still, it was strange. A moment ago I was 
nothing! Now I am a man of position! Mon 
Dieu! — {He has opened the box, holding up the 
chain with the two medals.) 

Boul— Eh? 

Chico. — It's silver — real silver! — (Boul and 
the Rat rise and go to him. He turns them up- 
side down; a queer noise comes into his throat.) — ■ 
Ah! 

Boul.— Eh? What is it? 

Chico — {In a faint whisper).— The price 
mark! Look! 

Boul. — Fifteen francs! — {The church bell rings 



SEVENTH H f-: A V E N 37 

once. They look at each other with a qualm of 
fear; then peer apprehensively over their shoulders; 
then at each other; Rat and 13()UL cross themselves 
fervently) — Paid the debt! Now do you believe? 

Chico. — No! — {Goes U.R.) — A coincidence to 
fool me! Come, we'll go into the Soc': and 
celebrate! Come, comrades — 

Rat.— Drink! That's it!— U// three link 
arms and luith fine gestures walk toivard the Inn 
singing: 

Drink a little bit, steal with care; 
Lie right out of it, fight and dare. 
Love with your soul each day in seven — - 
And you'll earn your turn in Heaven!) 

BouL. — Wait — we ■ can't leave her. — (He 
breaks away and comes D.R. to Diane helping 
her to her feet) — Come on, Diane — drink with 
us — come on! — (Diane obediently rises, crosses 
U.R. and takes a step toward them when Chico 
bars the way. Boul and Rat exit merrily into 
the Inn. Gobin enters from cafe and crosses 
Left.) » 

Chico — ^(U.R.). — -No, no! You understand. 
Mademoiselle now that I am a street washer — 
I couldn't— (i?e sees Gobin and leaves Diane. 
Joyously) — Ah, Maximilian Gobin! — (Gobin, 
as responsive as a turtle, waddles slowly on and 
picks up his hose U.L. Chico foil oivs him across 
stage) — -I have just been elevated to the hose. 
Look! — (Shows Gobin the card. Diane returns 
to gutter and sits ) 

Gobin. — ^Er? — (Reads the card and unbends — 
with a charming smile offers a finlike paw to 
Chico) — Street Washer! Welcome Comrade! 

Chico. — I thank you, Comrade. 

Gobin. — Good evening, Comrade. 

Chico — (Following him rear Left). — Good 
evening, Comrade. — (He stands there a moment, 
looking after Gobin, bowing low. Diane, who has 
sat still now, seeing Chico's knife lying in gutter, 
stares at it, then her hand slowly is seen to reach 



38 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

for it and pick it up. Chico turns and starts 
toward cafe, when he sees her.) — Hey! What the 
devil are you doing there? — {He makes a dash 
for her and grabs the knife.) 

Diane — (Wildly). — No — -no — don't stop me! 

Chico — (Tearing it out of her hands). — LET 
GO! — (He stands away, breathing heavily, staring 
at her as she, shaking with emotion, collapses in 
the gutter, her head on the bench. Chico wipes 
the cold sweat from his hands and 7ieck. He 
speaks in a hushed voice, half to himself, as if in 
a dream.) — ^To think that you meant it! It is a 
thing terrible to do! 

Diane — (Suddenly on her feet). — Give it back 
to me! — (She tries to snatch at it wildly.) 

Chico — (Turning his broad back to her as he 
snaps it shut.) — I like that! With MY knife! 
What did you take my knife for? — (He pockets 
it and crosses Left.) 

Diane — (Savagely). — -You can't prevent me! 
I'll go to the Seine! 

Chico — (Suddenly raging at her). — Very well, 
the, go to the Seine! Jump off then! Drowa 
yourself then! Lie in the Morgue with a rope 
around your hair then! What the devil do I 
care? Women like you sicken me — I spit you 
out! — (Diane stands motionless. He goes to- 
wards the wine shop. Something stays him. He 
looks back. Realizes she is beautiful. Pity wells 
up in him. Scratches his head.) — You know I'm 
still shaking all over. — (She starts U.C.). — 
Where are you going?- — (Diane reaches the barrel 
U.R. Chico takes a step nearer her.) — ^You 
know, that's a thing horrible to do! 

Diane — (Savagely). — Leave me alone! 

Chico — (Aflame in an instant, leaping away). 
— Snake of snakes, I'm not keeping you! There's 
the boulevard to the river — it's broad enough. 
You don't think it's my affair what you 
do? The devil take you! — (She sits on keg. He 
stalks off to the wine shop. Again something 



S E Y K NTH H E A V K N 30 

yats him. He looks hack at her. Touched to 
the core,biit inwardly protesting, he speaks in an 
odd, new voice, a mixture of sympathy and 
authoriw.) — Wliy did you want to take your 
life? 

Diane — {Without moving, as if to herself). — 
I can't go on. 

Chico — {Crossing to her; astonished). — ^You 
mean — you don't like what you are? 

Diane — {Shivering) . — No — no ! 

Chico — {Nodding with a frown). — Your sister, 
eh — she's cruel? 

Diane — {Half to herself). — It's because I'm 
afraid ! 

Chico — {Softly). — ^But you have courage! 
The idea of cutting oneself to death — that 
takes courage! I couldn't do it. — {He trembles.) 

Diane — {Looking at him for the first time.) — • 
Oh, yes, you could, if you saw love die out of 
the eyes of the only one who loved you ! 

Chico — {Clicking his tongue in sympathy.) — 
Oh, that was it, eh? Your lover left you, eh? 

Diane. — My Uncle. Oh, why do I tell you 
this? 

Chico. — Oh, he found it out — then — your 
life— eh? 

Diane. — Yes. He cast us ofil 
Cmco~{Softly).—Tct, tct, tct! Too bad! 
Diane. — He was right. 
Chico. — Who can say? — {Takes a step Left.) 

Diane. — ^You see — when there's no hope, it's 
easy! 

{An organ in the church starts playing softly.) 

Chico — {Gently). — But you say you don't 
LIKE this life. 

Diane — {Shivering) . — NO ! 

Chico. — Well, if you don't like it, you're not 
bad. — {He is up by taxi-cab.) 



40 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Diane — {Looking at him; after a pause.) — 
Why? 

Chico. — I doiv't know why — (Looks up) — 
But I know! — {Looks at her) — You see, when 
you say you • don't like it, it makes all the 
difference. I am a sewer man, as near nothing 
a man can be, but I am NOT nothing. You 
know, I have noticed that I am a very remark- 
able fellow. All my life in the sewer has never 
made me feel low. Sometimes I feel like a 
king for no reason at all. — {The organ music 
stops. Pause. He sits by her on upturned pail 
left there by Boul just Right of her.) — What's 
your name? 

Diane. — Diane. 

Chico. — That's a good name.— {Cheerfully) — 
My name is Chico. It's more like a noise than 
a name. You see, I never had a real name 
because I never had a f lather. Ha! Ha! 

Diane — {Looking at him). — ^There's no one 
you're afraid of? 

Chico.— No one! Some day you stand up 
and fight your sister. She's a coward — like all 
snakes ! That will make you free ! Be yourself ! 

Diane. — ^Myself — but what will that be — 
myself? 

Chico. — A fine, brave, good girl ! You know, 
I'm getting sorry for you! — {Rises, goes Centre 
and speaks suddenly) — Now, there I go! I shall 
have you on my hands if I don't take care. 

Diane. — You can go — I'm not keeping you! 

Cuico^~{Crosses to her wailing). — Oh, I didn't 
mean that. I am myself — Chico — and your 
friend, Mademoiselle! — {He strikes his breast.) — 

Diane. — My friend. — {She rises). 

Chico — {Turning away). — I know I shall 
regret it, but I can't help it. I cannot let you 
feel misery like this.— {Here goes U.L.) 

Diane — {Trembling). — Please don't say 
things to me you don't mean. 



SEVENTH HP:AVKN 41 

Chico. — But I do mean them — that's the 
worst of it. 

(Police enter from R. with group of wo- 
men. They stand rear in roadway, the light 
from the street lantern shining on their anxious 
faces. Nana is among them, arms folded, proud 
and silent. These police are dressed in regulation 
uniform.) 

They just come out of me — I can't stop them. 
But you're a good girl — I tell you — 

Diane. — The police — ^NANA! — {She goes up 
— Chico crosses Left.) 

Sergeant — {Coming down between them and 
opening notebook.) — -What are you doing here.'* 

Diane. — Nothing. 

Sergeant. — What's your occupation? 

Diane. — Seamstress. 

Sergeant. — Where do you work? 

Diane.— I have no work. 

Sergeant — {Taking her arm). — Then you'd 
better come along with us. 

Chico — {Running up betiveen them.) — Wait — 
wait. You can't arrest her, Jacques! 

Sergeant. — Why not, Chico? 

Chico. — Because she's an honest woman. 

Sergeant — {Taking her arm again to take her 
off). — That she must prove at the court. Come, 
as we are in a hurry! 

Chico.— Wait! 

Sergeant.^ — Since when are you giving orders, 
Sewer Man? 

Chico — Sewer Man! LOOK! — {Shows Priest's 
card) . 

Sergeant. — Street Washer, eh? 

Chico, — Yes — you must not arrest her. 

Sergeant — {Again starting to her). — And why 
not? She is reported thief — vagrant — 

Chico.^ — ^No — no — you can't arrest her — 
because — beacuse — 



42 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Sergeant. — Well? 

Chico. — Because she's my wife! 

Sergeant. — Why didn't you say so at once? 
— {To others) — Come, we've lost time. 

Nana. — He lies — she is not his wife! 

Sergeant — {Coming down slowly). — What's 
that! — {As he turns to look at Diane) — Where 
do you live? 

Diane. — Why — why — 

Chico. — ^48 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette! 

Sergeant.^ — Tomorrow we will come to your 
house to see if you speak the truth. Get along, 
no-w .—{They have to unite in the effort to drag 
Nana away.) 

Nana.^ — You can't arrest me! I'm a friend 
of Brissac! He will protect me! 

Sergeant. — Keep quiet, you! — {They drag 
her off U.L.) 

Chico — {Star i^ig front). — Now, why did I do 
that? Oh, what have I done? Why did I say 
that? — {Crosses D.L.) 

Diane— (50/% as she starts U.L.). — Don't 
worry. I'll go away. 

Chico. ^ — But you can't. ^ — {Going U.R. to her). 
— -They will look up the books — find no records 
— then they'll come to my address and find I 
have no wife. Oh, I am ruined! I shall lose 
the hose! THE HOSE! Oh, Mon Dieu— 
what have I done? — {Weeps and tears his hair.) 
—I shall have to have you for a wife — what a 
CATASTROPHE!— (5i^5 on barrle, U.R.) 

Diane- — {Goes to him; steps nearer, timidly). — 
Perha'ps you — could let me stay with you until 
the police came — to prove to them you had a 
wife. Then you could dismiss me! I would go 
away and not trouble you ! 

Chico. — ^But how can we explain our marriage 
is not on the records? 

Diane. — We can say we were — married in 
Italy — or Belgium! 



S E V E N T H H E A V E N 43 

Chico — {Rises; suddenly his face //«///5 to the 
idda). — That's an idea, that! You have a great 
head ! 

Diane — {Her heart welling up). — You have a 
great heart.- — {She takes his hand and attempts to 
kiss it.) 

Chico — {Withdraiving his hand hastily and 
wiping the back of it on his ribs). — Oh, you 
mustn't do that! — (Boul enters, slightly drunk, 
singing drink song, from the Cafe. Goes to his 
cab.) 

Chico — {Suddenly assuming a commdnding 
attitude). — Hey, you! Wind up Eloise! 

Boul.— What? 

Chico. — Wind up your sewing machine — 

Boul- — -{In front of cab). — Eh? 

Chico. ^ — Start her up, son of night — make her 
go! 

Boul." — Go ! — Optimist ! — {Cranks.) 

Eloise. — BANG! — {The engine starts to go 
frantically.) 

Boul. — My God — a, miracle! Chico, what 
do you mean? 

Chico. — I mean you are to drive me home — 
me and my bride!' 

Boul. — Bursting with astonishment). — 
BRIDE! 

Chico — (Left, to Diane, and getting his coat 
from out of barrel Left.) — Now remember, you 
mustn't take this seriously — understand? I do 
this for a reason! You're not going to take 
advantage of me? 

Diane. — No — oh, no! 

Cmco— {With relief) — Good! — {Taking Diane 
by the hand with infinite grace). — Allow me the 
honor of presenting you to Madame Chico, my 
good wife! 

Boul — {Getting into taxi and yelling). — Hurry 
up before she stops! — (Diane, whose eyes are 



44 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

blinded by a mist, is assisted i?ito the taxi like a 
queen.) 

Chico. — Now make the grand wedding tour! 
First the Champs Elysee, then to the Place de 
la Concorde, then drive to the Arc de Triumphe, 
then home to forty-eight Rue Notre Dame de 
Lorette, and perdition take the expense, for 
tonight I am the Bank of France! 

(Jumps into taxi and closes door. Both sit 
bolt upright as Eloise starts, knocking thefti into 
their deats, then stops dead. Starts again with a 
violent leap and detonation and slowly and shakily 
creeps away leaving the Sock empty.) 

(Arlette enters from the Inn and waves to the 
receding taxi.) 



CURTAIN 



SEVENTH H E A V i: N 45 



ACT SECOND 



(ITV are in a small attic, tucked away tinder a 
mansard roof. Through a skylight we have an 
inspiring view of Heaven above and chimney pots 
here below. The white domes of the Sacre Coeur 
of Montmartre are seen rising into the distant 
clouds) . 

{All Chico's earthly possessions are here — his 
stove, his frying pan, a delapidated wire bird cage, 
and his colored print of General Marchand of 
Fashoda fame). 

(French windoivs at Rear Left lead to the roof 
of the next house; Chico can walk over the leaden 
roofs, feed the pigeons and pass the time of day 
with the other chimney-pot dwellers. Those who 
work in sewers live as near the stars as they can 
afford. It is a glorious August morning. Onion 
soup is simmering on the stove. Left). 

{When the CURTAIN RISES, ARLETTE 
AND DIANE are discovered. DIANE is cook- 
ing some appetizing dish on the stove, U.L., 
seasoning and tasting it ivith the air of a true cook. 
She has improvised a dish towel into an apron. 
ARLETTE, birdlike, now neatly dressed, is 
prattling volubly, sitting on the table swinging her 
legs). 

Arlette — {Eagerly). — And then where did 
you go? 

DiA'SE-^{Gaily). — 'Way over to the Fete 
Montmartre, where we rode on pigs and shot 
clay rabbits — and what do you think — look — 
he had our tintype taken together! (Produces 
it from her bosom and shows it to Arlette). 

Arlette — {Admiringly). — ^He's beautiful, 
isn't he? 

Diane — {Laughing) . — Yes ! 



46 S E VE NTH H E A VE N 

Arlette. — Then what did you do? 

Diane — {Goes R. to bureau). — Then we start- 
ed for home, but poor Boul — his taxi Eloise 
stopped at Place CHchy and would take us no 
further — so we had to walk home. 

Arlette. — All theway here? 

Diane — {Nodding and crossing Right). — Yes, 
and the six flights up — ^into this — ^"Seventh 
Heaven". It was wonderful! {She goes to 
cupboard; gets dish and plate to put over it a as 
cover) . 

Arlette. — Won't Nana be surprised when 
she hears you're married! 

Diane — {Face clouding as she crosses Left to 
stove). — Yes — 

Arlette. — And angry! 

Diane. — Yes. 

Arlette. — Thank God they have her locked 
up! 

Diane. — Arlette, don't — 

Arlette. — Don't — rubbish — You ought to 
be glad. {Gets off table; goes LLC.) . You don't 
want her following you here, do you? 

Diane — {With a shudder). — ^But St. Lazarre 
prison ! 

Arlette — {Back of table and Right of it). — 
Why, only this morning Chico said so, too! 

Diane — {Eagerly). — Chico! You saw him? 

Arlette — {Laughing). — Saw him! Ha — 
everybody saw him this morning when he got 
the hose. He nearly drowned the Sewer Rat! 
Ha, ha! (Diane has poured soup; Arlette 
crosses Right after napkin). 

Diane — {Frowning). — Well, he's new to the 
hose! 

Arlette.- — ^No — no — it wasn't that. He was 
showing them what he would do if he went 
into the war, using his hose for a gun! 

{She is Right of table. Laughs). 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 47 

Diane — {Pausing a moment as she brings the 
sauce pan from the stove to the table). — The war — 

Arlette — (Crossing down front R. of table). — 
Yes. They're still talking about it. 

Diane — (Pouring content.^ of the sauce pan 
into the dish). — Arlette, there won't be any war. 

Arlette — (Scornfully). — That's what I say. 
Every year the men talk like that — as if they 
knew! (Taking spoon and tasting soup). 
■ Diane — (Carelessly). — Oh, they don't. (Enter 
GoBiN through the French window L. He is quite 
mellow compared to when last we saw him). 

GoBiN. — Good morning, Madam Chico. 

Diane. — Good morning. Monsieur Gobin. 
How is your wife now? 

Gobin. — Splendid. (Turning to Arlette.) But 
what is the matter with you, Arlette? Is this 
what you call visiting my wife? I ^nd you 
over for food twenty minutes ago and here 
you stand chattering like a sparrow. 

Arlette — (Peevishly). — But it wasn't ready! 

Diane. — Forgive her! It's my fault — it's 
just this minute done. I'll have the onion 
soup ready for you in half an hour. (Goes to 
stove and puts salt and pepper in soup). 

Gobin. — Good — and I won't send this little 
magpie — I'll come for it myself. You're very 
good to us, Mme. Chico. My wife is much 
better now, thanks to your cooking! (Arlette 
crosses Up to Right of Gobin). 

Diane. — Will there be a war, Monsieur 
Gobin? 

Gobin — (For a moment face grave; then throws 
it off). — Certainly not! Er — nations are too 
civilized for war these days. 

Diane. — That's what I tell Arlette! (Hands 
her the covered dish). 

Gobin — (Turning to Arlette). — So that's what 
you've been chirping about, eh? Well, no word 
of war to my wife or I'll murder you! 



4.8 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Arlette.^ — Of course not. I know enough 
for that. 

GoBiN. — Well, you don't know enough to get 
out of here! We mustn't leave her alone for 
a moment now. (Arlette goes up a step). 

Diane. — ^Has the doctor come? 

GoBiN.- — No, but he'll be here by noon. We 
expect our boy before evening comes. {He 
exits U.C. through windotvs). 

Arlette. — Ha, ha! He's so sure it will be a 
boy, Diane. You know, it might be two girls! 

GoBiN — (Off-stage). — Come, come, Arlette. 
(Arlette exits over roofs. Dl\ne is left alone. 
Looking about the room, she takes Chico's jacket 
from rack D.L., and humming the ''Seventh 
Heaven^' song, crosses to table Centre, fills Chico's 
pipe; then gets her sewing things in an old cigar 
box R.4and sits by the table and sews for a while. 
Then, with infinite tenderness puts the jacket to 
her cheek. A pause. There is a peremptory 
knock at the door). 

Diane — {Springing to feet in fear). — Who is 
there? 

{The knock is repeated louder. She steadies 
herself; then runs to door). 

Who are you? What do you want? 

{Another knock). 

Are you the police? 

BouL.— No! Tis I— BOUL! 

(Diane opens the door. Boul enters). 

Diane. — ^Boul — ^welcome ! 

Boul — {Hugging her). — Hello! Well, where's 
Chico? 

{BouVs white enamelled hat is over one eye; 
his red waist-coat buttoned .by one solitary top- 
button; causing his waistcoat to spread wide open 
showing an inverted V-shaped expanse of tummy 
covered with a none too clean shirt. A handsome 
neiv gold chain with a dazzling, jewelled watch- 
charm is draped across this bay of contentment). 



S K V E N T H H K A V E N 49 

Diane. — He's not here. 

BouL— (/I ston ished) . — NOT here ? 

Diane. — No. 

BoUL. — Why — he said he'd cut my head off 
if I wasn't here with Eloise at ten o'clock sharp! 
{With great show and conscious pride he consults 
his new watch — an enormous turnip). He said 
it was very important — ^what does he want of 
me? 

Diane — {Puzzled).- — I don't know — {She goes 
Right to cupboard for bottle of wine) . 

It's good to see you here, Boul. 

BouL — {Looking up through the skylight). — 
That's a fine view of Heaven^ — ^that! 

Diane — {Placing bottle of wine and glass on 
the table, as she pauses to look about the room). — 
It is Heaven! {Crossing to table, back of it). 

Boul — {Sitting at left of table. As he pours 
drink) . — Happy ? 

(Diane smiles). {She sits Right of table, 
takes coat and works on it). — So Chico didn't 
have to wait so long for a wife, eh, Madame 
Chico? This comes of burning a candle to 
St. Antoin. Ha, Ste. Antoine is the best fellow 
among the saints. No nonsense about him. 
He was a bit of a bad boy himself in his youth! 

Ah, yes, WE sinners make the best saints! 

{Takes a small drink, then suddenly froums in 
thought). Oh! Why did you think I was the 
police? 

Diane. — We are expecting the police! 

{Easily, but without undue haste, Boul re- 
moves the gold watch, chain and charm from his 
waistcoat and transfers it to an unseen trouser 
pocket. Then speaks in a surprised voice). 

Boul. — Expecting the police? 

Diane. — I am staying here to prove to them, 
when they come, that Chico has a wife so that 
he won't lose the hose. 

Boul — {Relieved) . — Oh ! 



50 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Diane. — They said they were coming here 
the next morning, but as yet we haven't seen 
the poHce. 

BouL. — I shouldn't let that worry you. 
{Takes out pipe; looks at her speaking in low 
voice). Has Nana been here? 

Diane — {Face falling). — Nana? No. 

BouL. — That's good. 

Diane — {Chilled). — Why, she's at St. Lazarre. 

BouL. — No! She's out! 

Diane. — Out! 

BouL. — Yes — -that Brissac got her out next 
morning, worse luck! 

Diane — {Rising, goes to door left, closing it). — ■ 
Nana — out! 

BouL^ — {Nodding). — -I wouldn't have told 
you, but I thought it was best to warn you. 
She TRIED to get me to come here yesterday 
to tell you she wanted you back. Today again 
she said to me: "Give her fair^ warning — if she 
doesn't come I'll go and get her!" 

Diane. — Three days of Heaven — I knew it 
couldn't last. 

BouL.^ — ^You're frightened of Nana. I can't 
blame you though. She's a tigress. You know 
I couldn't pull her off you that day? 

Diane — {Crossing to him). — Oh, Boul, what 
can I do? 

Boul. — Tell your husband — he'll know what — 

Diane — {Simply). — But I have no hushand! 

Boul — {Rising and going to her). — Eh? But 
you're Chico's wife! 

Diane. — ^That's just it — ^I'm not! 

Boul. — What's this? But I thought you 
were married the day after I brought you here — 
two days ago? 

Diane.^ — No. I've told the others that we 
were maried to protect Chico. After the police 
come I have no real excuse for staying. 



S P: V E N T H H R A V K N 51 

BouL — (After a moment, crosses D.R. of 
table). — Oh, well, but he intends to marry you. 
He wouldn't let YOU go. 

Diane.— I know he wouldn't tell me to go — 
he couldn't, he's so — so— I don't want to go! 
But I know I oughtn't to stay on here and take 
advantage of him. — {She crosses dozvn to Bonl.) 

BoUL — (Bursting). — What infernal nonsense 
is all this?^ — (He crosses to her). — Hasn't he been 
living here with you for three days? 

Diane — (Shaking her head). — No! 

BouL.— What? 

Diane. — He comes here for his meals — but at 
night — I — I am alone. 

BouL. — Alone? 

Diane. — At night he sleeps at Monsieur 
Chariot's. 

BouL — (In extreme disgust). — I never heard of 
such a thing! But what can you expect from 
an atheist! This comes of not having a good 
Christian education. — (Sits right of table). — I'll 
speak to him. 

Diane. — Don't^ — don't please. The truth is 
he does not love me. — (She is back of table.) 

BouL. — Oh, pouff! 

Diane. — Yes, he said he knew I'd be on his 
hands. You know, he says he always does the 
thing he doesn't want to do. 

BoUL- — (Rubs his chin). — That's right — that's 
Chico. 

Diane — (D.R. of him). — Monsieur Gobin 
thinks he can get me his wife's old place in the 
silk factory at Lyons. 

BouL. — Gobin — (Turns to her) — THAT snob? 

Diane. — Oh, but he's changed. Even Chico 
says so — and his wife and I are friends. Look! 
They live over there — across the roof from us. 
— (She crosses U. to window. ( — She's ill — I'm 
making this soup for her. — (He rises and turns 
Up Right of her. Diane continues in an awed 



52 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

voice, as she looks through windoiu across.) — It 
must be very wonderful ! 

BouL^ — (With a start and a step toward her). — 
Eh, what? 

Diane. ^ — ^To be married — to be safe — to be 
loved. — (A pause). — She's going to have a baby 
very soon now. 

BouL — (Stepping up behind her and placing 
his hands gently on her arms — moved). — Cheer up, 
my kitten — everybody can't be lucky. — (A 
pause) — You love Chico? 

Diane — (Nodding her head and burying her 
face in his shoulder). — ^Yes. 

BouL^ — (Patting her) — I can't understand why 
the idiot doesn't gobble you up. — (Crosses D.R.). 
— I have it! We must burn a candle to St. 
Antoin. 

Diane — (Going to him D.R.). — Oh, Boul, do 
you really believe that would help? 

BouL. — Help? HELP? Of course it would 
help. He never failed to help me in all my love 
affairs — that's why he's my favorite saint. 
Diane, you stay right here — (Crosses left toward 
door. Sound of whistling heard coming up the 
stairs.) 

Diane — (Joyfully). — There he is. 

BouL — (Crossing Right). — Now you watch 
me bring him to his senses. I'll tell him a thing 
or two.- — ^(DiANE tidies her hair and apron; 
then runs and opens the door.) 

Chico — (Enters gaily with a big box. He is 
dressed in a new suit of pantaloons and a clean 
shirt. A white rose behind his ear. He crosses 
Right to table; ignores Diane as he sees Boul). 
— -Hello! Ah, Papa Boul. — (Throws box on 
upper end of table.) 

Boul. — Papa Boul — BAH! — (Pointing to 
Diane) — ^Are you a cow or a sheep that Papa 
Boul must show you what a jewel you have? 

Chico. — Hey — stop it! 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 53 

BouL. — Wake up, you idiot, you! — {He sput- 
ters for a word, shaking his fist in Cmco's face.) 

Chico — (Threateningly). — Be quiet or I'll 
chew you up and spit you out! 

BouL. — You will? 

Chico. — Yes. 

BouL — -{Sits. Chico goes above table). — -Then 
what did you want me and Eloise at ten o'clock 
for? — (Diane is at stove and working over soup.) 

Chico. — I wanted you both for a very impor- 
tant event, but I find now you will not be needed 
till eleven! — (Takes string from bundle.) 

BouL. — Nearly another hour — what — • 

Chico. — You see, I didn't know I had to have 
a name. I had great difficulty trying to prove 
to those fools at the Bureau that I was born. 
Because I wasn't on their records, they said 
there was no such person as me. I said there 
must have been a me — for here I am! 

BouL. — What did you do? 

Chico. — -Do? I made them believe I was 
alive before I was through with them. It took 
everybody they had in the office and it wasn't 
till I was thrown out for the third time that they 
forced to admit I was alive — ^and to get rid of 
me they gave me the paper that says I am born 
and at eleven we are to be married! — ^(Boul rises 
astonished.) 

Diane — (Running down — in a low voice). — 
Married ! 

Chico. — So will you come back in time to get 
us there at eleven? That is, if you think Eloise 
is well enough to stand such excitement? 

Boul — (Running to Diane) — Bravo! There's 
good sense now! What did I tell you, my 
kitten? He's not such a fool as he looks! — 
(Men exchange glarices; Chico takes a step down). 
— Of course, Eloise and I will carry you to your 
happiness! And as for a wedding gift for the 
bridegroom — please accept this genuine gold 



54 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

watch and chain! — (Removes his watch and chain 
and hands it to Chico.) 

Chico — (Protesting politely). — But, Boul, I 
couldn't think of accepting so valuable a present! 

Boul — (Airily). — Keep it! It cost me noth- 
ing! — (Crosses left). — And as for a present for 
Madame — I think I know where I can put my 
fingers on something very, very nice. — (Opens 
door.) 

Chico — (Stepping Left, laughing). — Stay and 
drink with us. 

Boul. — No — no — I must shave — put on a 
clean shirt and light a candle to St. Antoin for 
Health — (He is now in doonvay) — Happiness 
and a large fami-ly to Monsieur and Madame 
Chico! — (Exits with a flourish.) 

Chico — (Crossing L. to door and calling after 
him).- — -Au revoir, Friend Boul — a good friend, 
eh? — (Closes door and crosses D.R. of table. A 
pause. He turns — they are alone. She stands 
still with bowed head. He is embarrassed.) — 
You — you don't say anything? — (She goes to 
him, looks up at him but does not speak. He opens 
bundle on the table; smacks his hands together.) — 
Look — your wedding clothes! — (Without a word, 
Diane attempts to kneel at his feet.)— No — no — 
you mustn't do those things! — (he turns Right, 
throwing the rose from behind his ear to the table.) 
— Here! — (Takes off smock and throws it over 
chair.) 

Diane. — You give me everything! I have 
nothing to give you — nothing! 

Chico. — ^Don't say that. 

Diane. — Do you really want to marry me? 

Chico — (With a shrug as he lights his pipe). — 
Ye-es! 

Diane. — Why? 

Chico. — I don't know. 

Diane. — You don't have to. 

Cuico— (Sitting R. of table. Quietly). — I 
know that. 



S P: V E N T H H K A V E N 55 

Diane. — You're so strange — unlike anyone! 

Ciiiro. — That's true — there's nobody like me 
— I'm a very remarkable fellow. — (laughs to 
himself.) 

Diane. — Oh, yes! But I don't understand — ■ 
you say you'll marry me — but you — don't — 

Chido.— Well? 

Diane. — Won't you say something? 

Chico — (Rising). — Say something — What? 

Diane. — Just one word of — of love — ^to tell 
me you are not marrying me out of pity! 

Chico — {Frowning). — You mean you want me 
to make love to you? — (Diane nods. Laughs 
sheepishly as he nibs his poll — for a moment 
gathers himself to make a try. Then look foolish.) 
— I feel like an idiot to talk like that! — (Crosses 
extreme Right. Then reluctantly.) — I'll do it just 
this once — no more. — ■(Sternly.) — Come here! — 
(She crosses to him). — You're, er, you know — 
(lie bursts into an embarrassed laugh, then sobers 
and continues.) — I — you — you and I did not exits 
until we met. — Now we are one destiny! 

Diane. — Are we? 

Chico — (Laughing embarrassed., A pause. 
Then gently.) — You see, it's nothing but arith- 
metic. 

Diane. — ^Arithmetic? 

Chico. — Of course. You see, you and I are 
one — so one and one make one — you understand ? 

Diane. — ^No — ^no. — {Sits left of table; tears 
choke her. She puts her closed fists to her eyes.) — 

Chico. — Mon Dieu! You ask me to make 
love and NOW look at you!- — (She laughs, 
drying her eyes hastily.) — ^Well, this way then — 
(Placing a finger on his heart and then gestures to 
her.) — Chico — Diane — (Looks around, opening 
his hand to the room.) — Heaven! 

Diane — {Softly; eyes closed). — Say it again! 

Chico — (Pleased with himself). — Chico — 
Diane — Heaven! — {Short pause.) 



56 Seventh heaven 

Diane. — Say it again! 

Chico. — Chic^ — (Crosses back of table to Left — 
and shouts at her.) — Hey stop that! What do 
you want, you? — {Laughs and pours out a stiff 
drink of cognac from the bottle Boul left on table.) 

Diane — {Half to herself — hands on heart). — 
Yes. It is the truth^ — and if there is a Bon Dieu 
—YOU are he! 

Chico — {Looking into the glass, as he holds it 
up). — Perhaps you are right. — {Drinks, puts 
glass on table.) — I know I'm a very remarkable 
fellow. 

Diane — (Looking at him; deeply moved.)-^Oh, 
yes. 

Chico — (Down L. of table). — YOU'VE noticed 
that, too? 

Diane. — Oh, yes! 

Chico. — It's wonderful the things I feel — the 
theughts I think — I — I — why, sometimes I 
could reach out and touch a star — and — 
(Suddenly sniffs.) — What's that I smell? — 
(Goes to stove.) — Onion soup? — (Squaring on her 
suspiciously ; taking spoon from wall.) — Some 
more of your good cooking, eh? You're trying 
to bewitch me that way? Eh? Listen — if you 
think it necessary to reach Chico's heart, 
through his stomach, I can tell you — (Sniffs and 
goes back U.L. to stove.) — Let's have some of it 
now! — (He removes cover.) 

Diane. — No — that soup is for Madame Go- 
bin. 

Chico. — Oh, well, since I've got to live the 
rest of my days with you, it's some comfort to 
know you're a good cook. — (Goes back to table.) 
— And another thing, young lady, you're not 
going to marry a poor man. See that — month 
in advance! — (Produces handful of coins from 
his pocket and crosses to table.) — We shall have a 
picnic tonight after the wedding in the "Bois" 
that will live in history. I've invited all the 



SEVENTH H R A V R N 57 

hose and the whole sewer! — (She has taken the 
jacket from, back of chair and resumed sewing.) 

Diane. — Madame Chico! I'm going to be 
something at last! 

Chico — {Coming D. front of table). — To be my 
wife is something! 

Diane — (Rising). — Here — I've finished your 
jacket! 

Chico — (Taking it — their hands meet in ten- 
derness for a moment. Theti he examines the 
jacket; speaks in surprised and gentle voice.) — 
Why, you have mended it. — (She takes the coat 
and puts it on back of Chair Right of table. 
Chico folloivs her Right of table until she is half 
across L. Soup pot boils and Diane crosses to 
stove; Chico looks at her steadily; then picks up 
pipe, lights it, quietly regarding her. Sighs.) — I 
am content. 

Diane. — Are you? 

Chico — (Smokes — smiles — nods — then laughs 
outright.) — Ha, ha! Who w^ould have thought 
three days ago when I was in the sewer that I 
would have the hose, a wife and money enough 
to pay for taxicabs for all our wedding guests! 
Boul says it's because I lit those three candles 
to the Bon Dieu. As if fifteen francs worth of 
candles — ha, ha! 

Diane — (Crossing down L. of table.) — It must 
have been some Bon Dieu that brought you to 
me! 

Chico. — Pooh! Don't you bother your head 
about such BIG thoughts. Leave them to me. 

Diane — (SittingLeit of table darning socks.) — 
I will. 

Chico. — It's all simple enough. It's what 
you put inside of you — the Idea — that makes 
you what you are. 

Diane. — The idea? 

Chico. — Yes. That's my religion. Put fear 
and trouble inside of you — it's just as if you put 



58 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

garlic and vanilla parfait into your stomach. 
The result is the same — bellyache. — {He rises 
and struts around.) — Look at Maximilian Gobin 
— it's easy to see the Idea he has put inside of 
him. — {Puts pipe on table.) — The Idea — {Imitat- 
ing Gobin's walk and curling imaginary mus- 
tachios.) — Maximilian Gobin — you are only you 
— while / am Maximilian Gobin! No one can 
hide his Idea. — {To Diane.) — Yours is fear. 
The very name of Nana frightens you. — (Diane 
shudders. Chico gets down on his haunches; 
leans over her.) — That mustn't be. You must 
put the Idea "courage" inside of you. 

Diane. — Inside of me? You think you can 
eat courage with a spoon? 

Chico. — ^Child, it's so simple everyone laughs 
and calls it foolish ! Listen to me! You get the 
Idea you want — ^like the word "courage" — 
{Bangs his forehand.) — and like a bulldog you 
hang on and never, NEVER, let go! Oh, it 
isn't easy. — {Rising and going hack of table to R.) 
— You will get bumps and blows but hang on to 
"courage" and bye-and-bye sure enough you will 
astonish yourself! You will BE that word. 
You will be courageous. That's why I am a 
remarkable fellow and astonish myself with 
what I am — because I know I can make what I 
am. That's why I am an atheist. — {He has 
crossed above talkie to Right and speaks with 
finality.) — ^That's why I KNOW there is no Bon 
Dieu. — {Sits in chair R. of table — then suddenly 
winces and cries out in pain as he rises.) — Ouch ! 
What the devil — {He has leaned heavily against 
the coat on the back of the chair. Something in the 
pockets has hurt him. He takes up the coat and 
out of the Right pocket produces the little box of 
twin medals.) — Snake of snakes! 

Diane. — What's the matter? 

Chico — {Frowning as he opens the box and 
takes out the two medals.) — The priest's medals — 
that's queer! 

Diane. — What does it mean? 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 59 

Chico — {Squaring his shoulders.) — ^Nothing! 
Always these coincidences to frighten me! 
But I won't be fooled! — {Drops the box and 
medals on the table.) — I am myself — Chico— I 
march alone! 

(GoBiN appears at the window to the roof , and 
opening it enters, a pale face — he smiles with 
difficulty.) 

GoBiN. — Ah, Comrade Chico — good morning. 
Is the soup ready, Madame Chico? 

Diane- — {With cry of dismay.) — Monsieur 
Gobin, forgive me. I forgot all about it! — ■ 
{Runs to the stove — pours soup into the bowl.) 

Gobin. — JVIadame will take it over to her? 
My wife would love to see you! — {He is D.L.) 

Diane — {Crossing down to table.) — This very 
minute! — {Showing clothes.) — Look! See what 
Chico brought for me! 
• Gobin. — Wonderful! 

Diane. — I'll show them to Madame Gobin. 
I'll put them on for her. It will cheer her. 

Gobin. — Do! It will please her so, eh? — 
{She nods and laughs, holding the soup bowl in 
one hand and the box of clothes under the other. 
Chico has gone to the window and holds it open 
for her. They stand and look at each other. She 
is a step or two above him. Gobin crosses D.L.) 

Chico — {Reaching for bundles).— VW carry 
these across the roofs for you. 

Diane. — No — no. I can do it. — {Starts out.) 

Chico. — But it's none too safe. 

Diane. — I'm not afraid. 

Chico. — Oh! Brave now, eh? 

Diane — {Quietly). — I shall never be afraid 
again ! 

Chico. — That's the idea — that! — {As he helps 
her gain a better hold on the bowl.) — You know 
something? 

Diane. — What? 



60 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Chcio. — You are a very sweet morsel ! 

Diane. — Oh ! 

Chico. — -Yes. And — and — and it's wonderful 
the way you've stitched my coat. It's a — a — 
better than new, isn't it? 

Diane. — Is it? 

Chico — {Sniffing at the dish she holds under 
his nose.) — And — and your cooking! Tct! Tct! 
You know — I — I didn't know it — but a man 
isn't complete without a wife. — {Awed). — My 
wife! 

Diane — {In the window — dreamily). — Say it 
again ! 

Chico. — My wife! • 

Diane. — Say it again! 

Chico. — My — {Waking — shouts) — Here — stop 
that! Get along, you! Out about your busi- 
ness! Shoo! — {With a laugh Diane crosses the 
roof and out of sight. Chico watches her for a 
moment, smiling.) 

Chico — {Turning with a chuckle and crossing 
D.R. and striking match to light pipe.) — I am a 
happy man today. Comrade. — (Gobin goes U.R. 
to windoiv, not heeding Cuico, pushing' the window 
open farther. He speaks in a chilled voice.) 

Gobin. — Chico — (Chico does not hear him. 
He is relighting pipe.) — CHICO! 

Chico. — Huh? 

Gobin. — I'm afraid it's come. 

Chico. — What? — {Puts down pipe; crosses up 
behind Gobin.) 

Gobin.- — You can see the crowds from here, 
too — Look ! 

Chico — {Looking over Gobin's shoulder — 
sobering; turning D.R.) — It can't be true. 

Gobin — {Crossing D.L.) — I've said nothing to 
the women. 

Chico — {Quickly; coming down L. Right of 
Gobin). — That's right. 



SEVENTH HI:AVRN fil 

GoBiN. — But with England we're lost. 

Chico.— But I hate war! It spoils everything 
— it's so uncomfortable. — (Crosses Right.) 

GoBiN. — Don't think of yourself now. 

Ciiico — {Crossing over to Gobin). — But I do 
think of myself. I don't like bullets, blood and 
pain. I'm such a coward .^( 57/5 Left of table.) 

Gobin.— Coward ! 

Chico — (Rising and crossing Right). — Yes. 
I'm afraid I'll slash in and murder a thousand 
men! I always do the thing I don't want to do. 
It's terrible when you're so frightened to be as 
brave as I am! Perhaps they won't call us. 

GoBix. — They may — and if they do our 
regiment is on the first list. Our captain said I 
would be Sergeant And if the call comes, we 
of the 21st Genie would have to mobilize within 
the hour at the Gar du Nord. You received 
your notice! 

Chico — (Feeling pocket). — Yes — but it must- 
n't be. 

Gobin. — I'll go to the office and get the news. 
- — (Crosses to door.) 

Chico — (Going near him). — You know, I'm 
thinking of Diane. 

Gobin — (Sternly). — If it comes to that, I'll 
leave my wife — and — and my^ 

Chico — (Going and gripping Gobin's hand.) — 
Pardon, Comrade. — (Chico takes a step U.C. 
After a second a knock on door. Gobin opens 
door, running into Aunt Valentine ivho has 
just mounted the stairs.) 

Valentine. — Are you the one they call 
Chico? 

Gobin. — No Madame. There is Chico. — 
(Waves toward Chico and exits, closing door.) 

Valentlne. — You are Chico? 

Chico — (Puzzled). — Yes, Madame. May I 
ask who you are? And is there something I can 
do for you? 



62 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Valentine. — My niece, Diane, I understand 
is here? 

Chico. — Oh, of course. You're Aunt Valen- 
tine. — {Offers her chair L. of table.) — Shall I call 
her?— (i/e starts U.V.) 

Valentine. — Yes, please. — {Sits. Then 
quickly.) — No^no — wait. I'd like to appeal to 
you first. 

Chico — {Laughing as he comes down left of 
her). — And take advantage of my weakness for 
your sex. 

Valentine — {With a shrewd smile). — You are 
not without charm. Monsieur Chico, and so I 
will be very honest with you. For the first time 
in all the years of our married life, my husband 
and I have disagreed. 

Chico.— Oh! 

Valentine. — I will not abandon Diane. 

Chico. — I do not understand. 

Valentine. — Colonel Brissac is to meet me 
here, but perhaps you can help us? 

Chico.— Help you! How, Madame? 

Valentine. — Help Colonel Brissac and me to 
bring her back to us. My husband is bitter 
now, but a man like Colonel Brissac may con- 
vince him when even I could not. 

Chico. — But what do you expect of me, 
Madame? 

Valentine. — To give her up, of course. 

Chico. — To give her up? To give up Diane? 
—{He falls hack a step.) 

Valentine. — You must see I want to save 
her from such a life. 

Chico — {Drawing himself up). — But I am not 
such a life. Diane is going to be my wife. 

Valentine — {Rising). — Your wife? 

Chico. — This morning at 11 o'clock we are to 
be married. 

Valentine— (Ta^iwg a few steps R.) — But 
this can't be. 



•SEVENTH H R A V K N ()8 

Chico — {Frowning; crossing a few steps toward 
Center).— But it can be. It SHALL be! 

Valentine — {Fluttering.). — But Monsieur 
Chico, please stop. — {She goes to him.) — Think 
for a moment. A home awaits Diane, with 
every comfort — every advantage. In time she 
may become my husband's heiress. Can you, 
in justice, ask my niece to be a street-cleaner's 
wife? 

Chico — {With dignity). — But it is an honor- 
able profession, Madame. I am proud of the 
hose. And so, too, is Diane. She loves me! 

Valentine — {Touched). — I am sorry. But, 
of course, you understand we are prepared to 
make it worth your while — with payments. 

Chico. — What do yon mean? 

Valentine. — Colonel Brissac has advised our 
paying you ten thousand francs. 

Chico. — Ten thousand francs! 

Valentine — {Encouraged).- — Don't you see 
it's for the best that we cut off my niece entirely 
from the past? 

Chico — {Taking a couple of steps backwards 
Left — quietly.) — Madame you have made a 
stupid mistake. I can only forgive you because 
of yonr ignorance and old age. — {Goes Left to 
door.) 

Valentine — {Going to him). — Oh, you 
couldn't stand in her way if you truly loved her. 
You know in your heart, if you are a just man, 
that she doesn't belong here. 

Chico — {Going R. of Valentine). — Belong 
here! Why, she loves me! 

Valentine — {Crossing back of him and stand- 
ing to his L.) — Perhaps now, but later when she 
knows you have kept her from a real home that 
belongs to her — which she will some day — she'll 
never forgive you. 

Chico. — Yes, she w^ould. 

Valentine. — Yes, but you — you could never 
forgive yourself — think, Chico — {Turning) — I 



64 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

beg^ — I implore you — {She bursts info tdars; 
sitting Left of table.) 

Chico. — That's it, old wife, use the trick of 
sex — tears! — {Crosses D.L.) — You come here 
and ask for my head to make soup. All right — 
it's yours. It seems my fate to do the thing I 
don't want to do— always— ALWAYS!— (//e 
crosses U.C. and looks after Diane). — Take her. 
I won't stand in her way.^ — (Valentine rises. 
Brissac enters quickly through open door L. 
leaving it open. He is drawn and anxious. He 
seems very immaculate and finished in these 
surroundings.) 

Brissac. — Forgive me, Madame \ ulmir. I am 
late. Things look most serious. Russia is 
mobilizing! I can stay but a moment. Is this 
the street-washer man? 

Chico — {With dignity). — I am Chico. 

Brissac. — Did you tell him? 

Valentine. — Yes. 

Brissac. — He accepts? 

Valentine. — Monseur Chico is splendid. 
He has agreed to everything. 

Brissac. — Good! I've got the check with 
me. We'll take Diane with us at once. I have 
the motor waiting. You can drop me at the 
War Office. Where is Diane? — {Looks around.) 

Chico — {Slowly). — I will call her. — (Brissac 
goes to Valentine. Goes to window and calls.) — 
Diane! — {A pause — then louder.) — Diane — come 
here! 

Diane — {Heard faintly in the distance). — 
Yoo,-hoo! Chico! 

Chico — {Turning with a look of anguish and 
crossing Down to door D.L.). — She'll be here in 
a moment. I'll — I'll wait downstairs. I'd 
rather you'd tell her. — {Bitterly.) — You didn't 
want me to do that, too — did you? — {Exits 
leaving door open.) 

\'alentine. — Poor man! But after all — we 
are doing what is right? 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 05 

De Brissac. — Of course — we're doing the 
only thing. — (A few steps Right). 

Valentine — {Folloiving him). — Luckily we've 
come in time. They were to be married this 
morning. 

De Brissac. — Married? 

\''alentine — {Looking into his face and touch 
ing his arm). — Yes. He must love her to do 
that and Diane, the poor child — Oh, Colonel de 
Perhaps, after all — 

Brissac — {A few steps back). — Why, you 
know that man is no fit person for your niece. 

Valentine. — I know, but love does such 
strange things. 

Brissac. — Nonsense! The child will forget 
him in a day. 

X^a.lentine. — It seems cruel — 

Brissac — {Sternly). — You asked me to help 
you! — {Leads her toward the door L.) — Please 
leave me then to talk to her alone. You may 
rely on my judgment. 

Valentine. — Of course. You surely know 
what's best. I will wait for you. Bring her to 
me. 

Brissac. — I'll bring her at once. — {She goes 
out.) 

Diane. — Chico ! Chico ! — (Brissac closes door 
and listens. Diane stands poised for a moment 
on the steps of the French ivindows; her face aglow; 
all soft in pink and ivhite, in her wedding clothes. 
The light of Heaven illumines her. It is a real 
transforr)-iation. Brissac is astonished. Fear 
mounts in her voice. Then seeing Brissac.) — 
Oh — you ! 

Brissac. — Yes — your old friend the Police- 
man! 

Diane — {Stepping into room). — But what are 
you doing here? Where's Chico? 

Brissac. — Downstairs. He's been generous 
enough to leave us together for a few moments. 



66 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Diane. — To leave us together? Is there any- 
thing the matter? 

Brissac. — I am here at the earnest request of 
your aunt. 

Diane. — Aunt Valentine? 

Brissac. — She wants you! 

Diane — {In dismay — a step away). — But it's 
too late now — 

Brissac. — It's never too late. 

Diane. — Yes, — I'm going to be married. I 
don't want to talk, please. Where is Chico? — 
{She starts for the door.) 

Brissac — {Barring the ivay). — You are going 
to listen to me, Diane. 

Diane. — But I have no time. — {Crossing to 
door.) 

Brissac — {Crossing Right). — Chico is a fine 
fellow. 

Diane — Yes, he is. 

Brissac. — But after all he IS a sewer man. 

Diane — {Haughtily). — He is a street-washer. 

Brissac. — Street-washer, then. 

Diane. — Have you come here to stop our 
marriage? 

Brissac. — Your aunt and I want you to know 
what you are doing. It's only fair to yourself. 

Diane. — Why isn't Chico here? 

Brissac. — He doesn't want to stand in your 
way. 

Diane. — Stand in my way? 

Brissac. — He realizes — even more than you — 
what your marriage to him will mean to you. 
Good Heavens, child, don't you see you will be 
lifted out of this squalor of sewers and street- 
washers into a decent environment? 

Diane. — I don't care for anything but Chico. 
— {Crosses once more to door.) 

Brissac — {Turning Right). — I wish I could 
say Chico felt the same toward you. 



SEVENTH HEAVEN ()7 

DiAXE — (Going to h'm.) — Why? What has 
he said? 

Brissac. — It's what he has done! 

Diane. — Done! 

Brissac. — To put it bluntly, my poor girl, he 
has agreed to be paid oft. 

Diane. — Paid off? 

Brissac. — To take money to break up this 
affair. 

Diane. — Why, that's not true! 

Brissac. — Ask him — he'll tell you! 

Diane — {RHuning to the door, opens it and 
calls). — Chico! — {She stands chilled.) 

Brissac — {Walking toivard her). — My child, 
it's just as well to discover the truth in the 
beginning. 

Diane. — Chico! 

Chico's Voice — {Heard from below). — Yes? 

Diane. — Come up here. — {She crosses to 
Left of table). — Ah, he's coming. 

Brissac — {Folloiving her). — Diane, try and 
put yourself in your aunt's — in my — place. 
Don't you see w^e only want to save you from 
untold misery? 

Diane. — I don't believe it. 

Brissac — {Crossing Left to her and taking 
hands). — How can you help it? He doesn't love 
you. He's shown that by what he's done. And 
you're the kind of girl who must have love to 
bloom. Well, we'll give you all the love in the 
world — love you as you've never dreamed of! 
Have you the remotest idea what I'm trying to 
tell you? How I'd move heaven and earth to 
protect you? 

Diane — {Taking her hands away from his; 
not hearing him; still chilled.) — Chico couldn't 
do that — he couldn't do it — he — 

Brissac — {Going U.L. as Chico appears). — 
Here he is. Ask him. 



68 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Diane. — Chico, it's not true, is it? 

Chico — (Dolefully). — I didn't know you be- 
longed to such great people — like this. 

Diane. — It is true, then. 

Chico — (Seeing her in her new dress). — You 
seem so changed now. So does our life — and I 
thought the hose such a grand affair. It has 
shrunk up very small, eh? Like a piece of 
macaroni! 

Diane. — But it hasn't. I think the hose is 
wonderful, Chico. I don't want anything but — 
but just to be near you — if you'll let me stay! 

Chico. — How can I stand in your way before 
such fine people? 

Diane. — I don't care what you've done. 
Give it back, please, and don't, let me go. I 
don't want to live if you do! Please? 

Chico — (Going to her). — Bebe, you must be 
wise. 

Diane. — Oh, please give it back! 

Chico. — Give what back? 

Diane. — The money. 

Chico — (Going to her). — The money — what 
money? 

Brissac — (Coming D.L. and shoiving Chico 
the check). — Here it is — all made out in your 
name. 

Chico. — But I don't understand. 

Brissac — (Haughtily). — But Madame Vulmir 
said you had agreed to everything. 

Chico. — True — she offered me money but you 
misunderstood. I refused it. — (Brissac curshes 
check in hand.) 

Diane — (Clutching him). — I knew it! I really 
knew it all the time! I really didn't believe it! 
I knew it all the time! Oh, Chico, Chico! 

Chico — (Taking a step to her). — What is all 
this — what has he been saying to you? 

Diane. — That you took this money not to 
marry me. 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 09 

Chico — {Quietly and gently disengaging her 
from his arms.). — You said that? 

Brissac — {Carefully pocketing the check). — 
That is how I understood it from Madame Vul- 
mir. 

Chico.— Go! 

Brissac. — Perhaps this needs some explana- 
tion. 

Chico — {With a step totcard him). — Go — 
before I do you harm! 

Diane — {Running hetiveen them and holding 
Chico). — No — No, Chico — {To Brissac) — You 
had best go, Monsieur Brissac. 

Brissac — {Picks up hat sloivly and goes to 
door, turns and faces Chico. Diane is in his 
arms betieeen them). — If I've made a mistake, 
I'm sorry. If you need me — {He walks out — 
Chico gathers Diane close in his arms.) 

Chico. — Mon Dieu, I ahnost lost you! 

Diane. — Let us stay like this forever! 

Chico.— YES! 

Diane — {Cheek to cheek). — Don't ever listen 
to anyone any more. You're so noble! 

Chico. — It's my weakness. Never again will 
I be noble. 

Diane. — No, please. 

Chico — {Crossing to chair L. of table, sits). — 
At the thought of losing you I am still wobbling 
inside — Listen! — {He puts her head on his heart). 
— Diane, I love you! 

Diane.— At last! 

Chico.— Huh? 

Diane. — You've said it all by yourself. — {He 
looks up at her). — I'm not used to being happy — 
it's funny — it hurts! I can't believe it yet. — 
{She steals up to him.) — Hold me close! — 
(Chico holds her). — No — closer! — (Chico holds 
her tighter.) 

Chico. — Don't ever go away, Diane, or, like 



70 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

a candle, I shall just go out. — {March steps heard 
o//g//.)— I'm afraid! 

Diane — {Breaking away from him). — Afraid! 
For shame, Chico! — {Kneels beside him) — Cour- 
age — that's the idea, that! 

Chico — {Meekly). — I said that. How easy it 
was to talk. Now I shake like a blanc-mange! 
Then lean on me! — {She rises. March steps 
stop. His head against her breast.) — Trust me — 
for I will make you brave! I will cook for you 
and sew for you! I will be beautiful for you — 
and strong for you — and wise for you! Never 
again will I be afraid! — {She takes a step back- 
ward.) — I astonish myself with what I am! 
See what you've made of me? I, too, am a very 
remarkable fellow! — {March steps start again. 
She sits in his lap.) — Come, let us get married 
quick! — {Jumping up.) 

Chico — {Snatching iip his beret). — Good 
heavens, yes! We'll have to hurry! 

Diane. — Boul must be below waiting in his 
taxi. 

Chico. — I'll look. — {Rims hurriedly to window 
and looks out — his face changing to stone). — 

Diane — {Who has been busy combing her hair 
and getting a handkerchief ; a pause; crosses U.R.) 
What is it? — {Marching feet grow louder.) 

Chico. — He's not there! — {A faint murmur 
arises far below.) 

Diane. — Are you sure? — {She starts toward 
window.) 

Chico — {Gently). — Don't look. 

Diane — {Looking out winodw). — They are 
marching with flags. It's come at last! — {They 
stare down into the street as the drums are heard. 
Then Diane goes to him slowly and looks into 
his eyes.). — I'm not afraid. 

(Gobin comes across the roofs, enters hurriedly 
with bundle; a military kepi on the back of his 
head and a dark blue uniforju coat over his_ arm; 



SEVENTH HEAVP:N 71 

he is siveatino and wiping his face with a bandotina 
He goes directly to Diane.) 

GoBiN. — It's war! Madame Chico, will you 
take care of my wife and welcome my — my boy 
for me — when he comes? 

DiAXE. — Be comforted, Monsieur Gobin. I 
will nurse them both. 
• Gobin — {Crossing toivard door). — Thank you. 
Come, Chico, we report at once at the Gare du 
Nord. I've — I've said good-bye to my wife. 

Chico. — Snake of snakes! — {He is D.L.) 

Gobin. — I'll wait for you below. Hurry, 
Comrade. — {He exits D.L.) 

Diane — {Smiling — Right of Chico). — I'm not 
afraid ! 

Chico — {Producing paper from under the 
neck of his shirt — U.C.). — The women will take 
the men's places. — {She goes U.L. after bag). — 
This is a certificate from the priest. I was 
hoping you'd never see it. — {He is packing shirt, 
soap, tobacco, etc. into bag. Suddenly.) — No — 
you must go back to your aunt! That's the — 
{He goes L. of table.) 

Diane — {Coming to Right of table). — No! I 
will stay here. I shall be in your place. It will 
keep me nearer to you. 

Chico — {Suddenly). — Oh! That paper says 
"For your wife" — and you are not my wife. — 
{He is struck ivith an idea). — I have it! We will 
marry now — here! 

Diane. — Yes. — {Sees medals on table). — With 
these! 

Chico. — We will marry ourselves — I am an 
atheist — but this time I MUST appeal to some- 
thing. It's a good idea — this Bon Dieu — if it 
were only true. 

Diane. — Do you know that it isn't? 

Chico. — Yes. I'll give Him one more test. — 
{He takes her hand in his and together they stand 
facing each other across the table. Chico looks 



72 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

tip.) — Monsieur le Bon Dieu, perhaps You are 
here; perhaps not. Perhaps You give me this 
wife; perhaps not. But if there is any truth in 
the Idea of You, please make this a true mar- 
riage. — {He places, with reverence, the chain ivtth 
one medal about her neck.) — I take you, Diane, 
for my wife. 

Diane — {Picking up the other medal, kissing 
it and handing it to him.) — I take you, Chico, for 
my husband — forever. — {Bugle heard.) 

Chico. — Now we're married. 

Diane. — Yes. — {He takes the medal she has 
given him, kisses it and puts it in pocket. The 
bands are nozv heard in the distance. Chico 
picks up his bag, lays it down again. Turns his 
pockets inside out and lays the money in a pile on 
the table.) — Now I go! — {There is a quick em- 
brace.) 

Diane. — I'm — we are not afraid! — {He starts 
-for the door. She gets her shatvl and is about to 
throw it over her head and folloxv him.) 

Chico. — No, no. Don't come with me. 
Don't follow me. 

Diane. — Please, I — {A chime is heard to 
strike eleven.) 

Chico. — No, no. Stand still. Don't move. 
I want to see you last like this. Let me fill my 
eyes with you. I shall come to you each morn- 
ing at this hour. Every day you will feel me 
here with you. — {He tries a little laugh and 
turns.)— ^Au revoir — Heaven! — {He exits quickly 
closing the door. Diane stands very still. The 
bands are heard in the distance. With a start she 
reaches for her shawl, wraps it around her, goes to 
the door, leans against it; it is slowly pushed open, 
disclosing Nana.) 

Nana — [Whose face is livid and swoolen with 
absinthe). — I've been hiding in the hall till your 
sewer man got out! 

Diane. — Nana — you're ill! 

Nana. — Huh! Didn't Boul tell you I needed 



SEVENTH H E A V K N 73 

you — that I wanted you to come back to me? — 
{She moves toivard Diane.) 

Diane. — Yes — but Chico's just gone. I must 
— {She moves toward door.) 

Nana — {Stopping her and speaking cxidtantly). 
— The war's got him. 

Diane — ((^w/V/Zv).— Nana, please — I want to 
see him once more. — {She crosses L. The medal 
hanging from her neck attracts Nana's eye. She 
clutches it and tears it from Diane.) 

Nana. — What's this thing? Something he 
gave you? 

Diane — {Suddenly aflame). — Give that back 
to me! 

Nana. — Huh! 

Diane. — Give that back, I tell you! — (Nana 
throws medal on floor.) 

Nana. — Come here to me! — {She takes from 
under her shaivl a snake-like whip.) 

Diane. — I'm not afraid of you, Nana. 

Nana. — Huh! 

Diane.— I'm not afraid, I tell you! 

Nana. — Come here to me! 

(Diane does not move. Nana approaches her 
and raises the whip. Without a word, Diane 
springs on her and they struggle; Nana gives 
Diane a look of terror; then Diane throws her 
U.C. Left, overturning a chair, and tearing the 
whip from her hand.) 

Diane. — Nana, I'll kill you! — {She is lashing 
Nana, who stumbles around back of table to 
Right; then Left to door.) — You can never 
frighten me again ! I am brave! I am not afraid ! 
I am brave! I am the wife of Chico! — {She throivs 
the whip at Nana's retreating figure down the 
stairs, runs to window, waving her shawl to the 
marching columns below, as the band increases in 
volume.) — Chico! Chico! Chico! I am brave. 

CURTAIN 



74 SEVENTH HEAVEN 



ACT THIRD 



(Chico's attic four years later. The morning 
of November 11, 1918. It is now a worn and 
shabby "Heaven"; a rusty sewing machine is in 
the corner. Women's clothes hang from nails. 
A window pane is broken and stuffed with news- 
paper. A clothes line is hung across the U.R. 
corner of the room.) 

(Arlette, noiv a young woman, is washing the 
breakfast things and putting them away. She is 
dressed in well-worn munitions working clothes. 
Aklett'E dries her hands on her apron.) 

{The sunlight pours in through the skylight, 
flooding the attic with morning light. 

Across the roofs comes the chubby figure of 
Pere Che VILLON in his shovel hat and cloak. 
A red cross brassard is sewed on his left arm.) 

(Arlette takes something out of sink and hangs 
it on clothes-line.) 

Chevillon.- — Ah — my little Arlette! 

Arlette — (Joyously)- — Father — the good ia- 
therl— {Opens window and lets him in.) — Oh, oh, 
I'm so glad to see you! 

Chevillon — {Puffing qnd laughing). — Phew, 
my child, these roofs make me dizzy. — (Chevil- 
lon sits Left of table. Arlette starts for stove.) 

Arlette. — Will you have some coffee? 

Chevillon. — Thank you, no! 

Arlette. — A glass of water? 

Chevillon. — No, thank you. 

Arlette. — Some brandy? 

Chevillon. — ^No^ — yes, yes, of course.— {She 
crosses front of him to cupboard bringing him a 
bottle and a glass.) — I was calling on Gobin and 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 75 

his wife — making my rounds — so I thought I'd 
look in on you two. Where's Diane? 

Arlette — (Sitting R. of table). — She'll be 
here soon. It's ages since we've seen you, 

Chevillon. — Ah — much of my time is taken 
up with wounded, but they like me because I 
tell them jokes. — {Wistfully). — Do you happen 
to know a good joke for them? 

Arlette. — Why, yes, I know one that I read 
once — it's about a goat in the army and one of 
the poilus cut off the goat's nose. 

Chevillon. — Cut the goat's nose off? How 
did he smell? 

Arlette. — Terrible! Don't you see it. 
Father? 

Chevillon. — Yes, I think I do — but it's not 
so much. Alas, it's easier to make a shell than 
a good joke! — (Arlette crosses, devoutly and 
humbly kneeling at his feet on the hassock at his 
left.)— What's this for? 

Arlette. — Your blessing! 

Chevillon — (Catching her by the ear and 
pulling her up to her feet, peers over his glasses at 
her). — Not so fast! A little questioning first, 
my young sinner! Humph! That eye looks 
guilty! Been a good girl? 

Arlette— (5t7/7'wg 07i stool — eagerly). — Yes — 
and — (Her eyes fall before his scrutiny — not so 
eager.) — N-no. 

Chevillon. — I see — Half and Half — well — 
I'm listening! 

Arlette. — It's about this. — (She shows him 
a cheap looking vanity-bag which she brings out of 
her bosom.) 

Chevillon — (Taking it). — Humph! That 
doesn't look wicked. — (Hands it back.) 

Arlette. — No — it's not that. It's because 
I bought it with some of the money Diane gave 
me for the rent. 

Chevillon — (Gravely). — ^Then how are you 
going to pay the rent? 



76 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Arlette.— Oh, Colonel Brissac did THAT! 

Chevillon. — Colonel Brissac — 

Arlette. — Yes. He wanted to do something 
for us and Diane wouldn't let him, so I just 
suggested that he might pay the rent. 

Chevillon. — Does Diane know this? 

Arlette. — No, of course not. She's so — so 
foolish — {Takes his hand) — ^and he's so generous; 
he got us both off the night shift at the shell 
factory. 

Chevillon. — But Diane went back to the 
night shift. 

Arlette. — -Yes, the moment she learned 
Colonel Brissac got her the day work. 

Chevillon — {Nodding approval). — Good for 
her. — {She produces a lipstick.) — Oh, ho ! Devil's 
ammunition, eh? 

Arlette. — That's for the lips! 

Chevillon. — So I should have guessed. — ■ 
(Arlette salves her lips with the stick. He peers 
at her critically; then nods; takes bag and places 
it on table.) — Yes, there IS a difference — like 
putting sauce on a goose! My daughter, you 
must tell Diane everything — all about this 
Brissac. 

Arlette — {Crossing back of table to D.R.).- — ■ 
Oh! You can't talk to her about him. She 
avoids him. She thinks Chico wouldn't like it. 

Chevillon.— Chico! You've had no more 
news? 

Arlette. — Not a word since the report that 
he was among the missing. 

Chevillon. — He may be captured — a pri- 
soner. 

Arlette.— DIANE still thinks he is alive — 
and that she's truly married to him. 

Chevillon. — Perhaps she is. 

Arlette — {Shocked) — But, Father, you know 
they had no priest. 



SEVENTH H E A V K N 77 

Chevillon. — I know — but those two turned 
to God— in that terrible hour — beheved that 
God married them — and though they were 
parted at once and never knew marriage as the 
world knows it and the Church commands — still 
Diane has been faithful to that marriage all 
these years. The Bon Dieu has a place in His 
heart for such faith. — (Gobin enters down left. 
He carries a newspaper in his left hand — his 
right sleeve hangs empty.) 

Gobin — {In excitement) — Father, there's news! 
— {He comes Left of Chevillon.) — "The emmis- 
saries have crossed the frontier, and have been 
with Foch since nine this morning. Peace may 
be declared at any moment now." 

Chevillon — {With a shrug). — I'll believe it 
when they've signed. 

Gobin — {Crossing U.L.). — Oh, Eugenie wants 
you all to come over and join us at breakfast. 
We've just received a beautiful string of herring 
from Corporal Boul. 

Chevillon — {Rising and reaching for hat, 
smacking his lips). — Herring! Now that is an 
excellent idea, that! — {Crossing up to ivindow.) 

Arlette — {Taking a few steps up). — Thank 
you, I've had MY breakfast. 

Gobin. — Then you'll tell Diane that we'll 
expect her. Come, Father. — {He exits.) 

Chevillon — {To Arlette, who is looking into 
her vanity case). — Don't make yourself too 
fascinating! 

Arlette. — Oh no, Father, I won't. 

Chevillon — {Exits through windoiv and as he 
crosses roof out of sight murmurs). — I wonder 
why they cut off his nose! — (Arlette hides 
vanity bag in bureau Right. Door opens slowly 
and Diane enters. Arlette stands still and 
watches in silence as she, with tired dignity, slowly 
crosses the room. She is dressed in shabby working 
clothes. Diane is a woman now; her face is 
pale; she is tired beyond thought. Carries a black 
lunch box and a paper bag of potatoes.) 



78 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Arlette. — You're late, Diane. 

Diane — {As she hangs up her hat L. and half- 
removes her cape). — Ah^ — good morning. You've 
had your breakfast, Arlette? 

Ap.lette. — Yes Diane. You were so late I 
didn't wait for you. — {Takes sewing basket and 
lamp to cupboard.) 

Diane. — That's right. It won't take a mo- 
ment to get mine. — {Takes bag of potatoes and 
puts them in sink U.L. Coffee on stove.) 

Arlette. — Gobin and his wife want you to 
have breakfast with them. The priest is there. 

Diane — {With a shadow of a smile). — The 
good Father! No, I can't this morning. 

Arlette. — Why not?^ — {Takes footstool and 
puts it back of table; then crosses R.). 

Diane.— You and I have a lot to decide today. 

Arlette — {Crossing to her). — Something's 
happened — what ? 

Diane. — I think the war is over! 

Arlette.- — You do! — Why? — {Crosses to her.) 

Diane. — We have been dismissed. 

Arlette. — What — lost our positions? 

Diane — {Nodding.) .■ — -Yes, Arlette — that's 
what kept me. The adjutant sent for me. 
Over two hundred girls were discharged. Here's 
your money and the notice. 

Arlette — {Stunned). — What shall we do, 
Diane? 

Diane — {Looking up at skylight). — If the 
war's over, that's the big thing! 

Arlette. — Diane, if you'll just listen to 
Colonel Brissac — 

Diane. — Arlette! 

Arlette. — Since Aunt Valentine died there's 
been no one to help us. 

Diane — {Bending over pot). — Oh, we'll find 
something. Don't you remember what I told 
you Chico used to say — {Imitates him) — "You 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 79 

must put the idea "courage" inside of you — 
that's the idea, that!" Ha, ha! 

Arlette. — Oh, it's easy for you! 

Diane- — {Going to her affectionately). — I know 
— I know — I've had him to help me. You've 
had nothing. But you've gone on — night after 
night in the grease and roar of machinery — your 
lungs choked with brass filings — the war hasn't 
given you much youth! — {She goes up to the 
window, about to pin up some zvashing. A 
shadow comes across her face as she looks down 
into the street. Arlette crosses D.L.) — There's 
Colonel Brissac — he's getting out of his car — 
he's coming in here ! 

Arlette. — He wants to see you! Please, 
Diane, just this once, he's willing to do any- 
thing — ■. 

DLA.NE — {Looking coldly at Arlette). — You 
were expecting him here this morning? 

Arlette. — Yes, but he doesn't mean any 
harm — 

Diane — {Going to coff'ee pot on stove L.). — ■ 
Did you say Sergeant Gobin wants me for 
breakfast? 

Arlette — {Crossing L. near her). — ^Yes. But 
why do you always run away from Colonel 
Brissac? He's so good-looking! 

Diane. — Oh, Arlette, I can't seem to — {Knock 
at the door — she speaks hurriedly). — There he is — 
get him away. — {Goes U.L. to window taking 
coffee pot with her.) — Get him away and let me 
know when he's gone. — {She hurries across the 
roofs. Arlette opens the door and Brissac 
enters, now in the smart uniform of horizon blue. 
He is flushed with wine.) 

Brissac — {Taking her affectionately by the 
arm and walking her into the room). — Hello, 
hello, little friend. Is she here? — {Swings her 
around by the hands.) 

Arlette. — No, Colonel, I'm sorry. 

Brissac. — But you promised! 



80 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Arlette. — I know — but — 

Brissac^ — (Crossing to table Left). — Never 
mind, I'm going to wait this time till I see her. 
I've brought these for Diane and you, too, in case 
some good news from the front comes this 
morning! — (Produces laughingly two bottles of 
champagne from his overcoat pockets and gives 
them to her.) 

Arlette. — Champagne — (Takes bottles, crosses 
and puts them on shelves Right.) 

Brissac. — In the meanwhile, I'll content 
myself with this. — (Sits left of table and reaches 
for the wine bottle where ihe priest left it.) — Arlette, 
would you like to know a secret? 

Arlette — (With a shrug). — I'm a w^oman! — 
(She runs to him). — What? 

Brissac. — They have just telephoned me 
from General Headquarters that the armistice 
may be signed this morning. 

Arlette — (As she sits R. of table). — I can't 
imagine how it will seem without war. 

Brissac — (Drinking).- — Neither can I. I 
thought if I ever lived to see this day that I'd 
go mad with joy with the rest of the world — 
instead — now that it seems certain — I sit here 
like a cow watching a train go by. Look at me. 
A poor middle-aged fool — softheaded and heart- 
sick because a girl won't love me. — (Savagely) — 
If the war ends or not — doesn't seem to matter 
— nothing matters to me but Diane, and it's 
been that way through all those bitter years out 
there. Can you understand such wild talk as 
this, eh? Pitiful, isn't it? 

Ap'lette — (With a sigh). — I wish it was for 
me. It's a shame the way Diane treats you. — 
(Rises and crosses Left /or shawl.) 

Brissac. — Yes, it is. 

Arlette — (Crossing to U.L.). — I'm going to 
tell her so. 

Brissac. — What do you mean? Where is 
she? 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 81 

Arlette. — Across the roofs, hiding! 

Brissac — (Rises and crosses R., bitterly). — 
Hiding from mc! That's what she's been doing 
all the time. 

Arlette — (Coming down a few steps). — Yes, 
it is. But I'm going to try to get her over here. 

Brissac. — Perhaps she'll come if you tell her 
I have good news for her. — (Sits on lozver edge 
of table.) 

Arlette — (Coming D.C. to him). — Have you 
really — good news? 

Brissac. — Yes. Her Uncle's dead. 

Arlette. — Do you call that good news? 

Brissac. — Diane will when she learns he's 
left her La Salle Farm and a small annuity for 
life. 

Arlette — (Sitting in chair R.). — An annuity 
for life? Diane then is rich? 

Brissac. — No — ^not rich, Arlette — but it will 
keep her. 

Arlette — (Starting to window Rear). — Let me 
tell her that — 

Brissac. ^ — No! — (Knock at D.L. door.) — 
Come in — (Enter Recan Left.) 

Brissac. — Recan! You! 

Recan. — May I see you for a moment. 
Colonel? 

Arlette. — I'll send Diane — I know she'll 
come if I tell her the news. — (Going to window.) 

Brissac — (Following her a few steps). — No — 
no — say nothing to her except that I have good 
news for her — it will be better. 

Arlette. — Yes, yes — I understand. — (Exit 
across roofs.) 

Brissac. — What is it, Recan? 

Recan. — We have succeeded at last in locat- 
ing your man. 

Brissac — (Crossing to him). — Chico? 

Recan. — Yes. 



82 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Brissac. — He's not alive. 

Recan. — He won't live. 

Brissac. — Oh! 

Recan. — They brought him to Paris this 
morning. 

Brissac. — Here? 

Recan. — Yes, with four other exchanged 
prisoners. 

Brissac. — Where is he? 

Recan. — At Lorette Hospital. Delirious — 
in a high fever — the officer told me the doctors 
had given up hope. 

Brissac — (A feiv steps Right). — Poor Diane! 
What a pity. 

Recan — {Following him a feiv steps). — The 
sergeant even showed me a few things that they 
had taken from him. 

Brissac. — Why didn't you bring them to me? 

Recan. — I didn't know you wanted them. 

Brissac. — I DO. This poor girl has given 
four years of her life to a memory. We must 
save her from further suffering. — (Recan turns 
a step Left). — Get those trinkets and bring them 
to me. — No. — she's coming! You wait below 
in the car. Pll go to the Hospital with you. 
Quick! — -{Exit Recan. Brissac shuts the door 
on Recan as Diane enters. He crosses R. a7td 
takes a drink at table Centre.) 

Diane — {enters in window a7id comes D.L. of 
table). — Colonel Brissac, you have some good 
news for me? 

Brissac. — Diane, please be calm and listen to 
me. 

Diane — {Didly). — Arlette said you had good 
news — {She looks away from him.) 

Brissac. — Why do you always want to avoid 
me — to hide from me? 

Diane. — We've gone all through that. 

Brissac. — Surely, Diane, you can't believe 



SEVENTH H E A V P-: N 83 

I want to harm you. — (As she starts to go.) — No, 
no, don't go — give me just a moment. 

Diane — {Turning hack L.C. and speaking 
patiently).— Wi^W^ 

Brissac. — When I first came back, tired and 
war-weary, I confess I thought I could win you — 
that you were Hke the rest of us — beaten in 
spirit — too tired to resist — but I was wrong. I 
didn't know you. 

Diane. — Please, Colonel Brissac — 

Brissac. — Diane, we must be friends. I was 
wrong at first, but you've taught me the truth 
and in all humility I ask you to answer just one 
question. 

Diane. — What is it? 

Brissac. — Will you be my wife? 

Diane. — Colonel Brissac, I haven't been fair 
to you. You say you didn't know me — well, — 
{She smiles). — we just didn't know each other. 
But what you ask is impossible. 

Brissac. — You mean you never could care for 
me? 

Diane. — It's not that — it's because I'm 
married. I'm the wife of Chico; the war will 
be over soon — he's coming back. 

Brissac. — Diane — you might well_ be the 
figure of France! — {Kisses her hand). — We're 
friends?. — {Takes his hat and cape from table; 
then crosses Left of her.) 

Diane. — Yes. 

Brissac — {Taking her hand). — Promise me 
you are not going to hide from me when I come 
again ? 

Diane. — I promise. — (Brissac exits.) 

Arlette — {En'ering and almost immediately 
followed by Boul, and after him Gobin.) — Diane, 
look! See who is here! — (Diane, turning, sees 
standing before her Corporal Boul; he is the 
same Boul as of old, but noiv in soiled and dirty 
uniform of the Motor Transport Service. Ar- 
lette comes D.R.) 



84 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Diane. — Boul! Boul! Papa Boul! Papa Boul! 

GoBiN — {Coming D.L.). — Corporal Boul, if 
you please, of the Motor Transport Service. — 
(Diane is in Boul's arms.) 

Arlette — {Coming D.R. of table and placing 
chair). — He's brought something for us but he 
wouldn't tell what it was! — (Diane kisses him.) 

Boll — Ha, ha! Did you see that. Comrade 
Gobin? Do you think anyone here could get 
that but me? Arlette was jealous because I 
gave Madame Gobin a string of herring! Look, 
my ladies, what I brought for YOU!^ — {Crosses 
to back of table and takes several cakes of soap 
from his pocket.) 

Arlette. — SOAP! Soap! Where did you 
get it? 

Boul. — Never mind! — {Takes from his pocket 
several handfnls of cube sugar ivhich he piles on 
talbe.) — Look at that! 

Arlette. — Sugar!] 

[SPOKEN TOGETHER. 

DIANE. — Sugar. J 

Boul. — Yes, my friends, more than a pound 
— {With a wink at Diane). — from the table of 
my general! 

Gobin. — You are home to stay with us now? 

Boul — {Tapping breast pocket) ■ — My dis- 
charge is in this pocket and — {slapping his 
pocket) — there is money enough for a new taxi- 
cab! 

Arlette. — Where is the old one — the one you 
called Eloise? 

Boul — {With a tear.). — She's dead! You 
hadn't heard? — (Gobin goes to U.R. corner of 
table.) — My poor Eloise! It was before I went 
to the front for good in the first days of the war. 
— {He places the various objects that are on the 
table as he speaks.)— Here was \'on Kluck — {the 
bottle of cognac). — with the greatest war machine 
the world has ever known marching through 
Compainge on to the very gates of Paris — {Two 



SEVENTH H E A V K N 85 

cakes of soap) — The Government had flown to 
Bordeaux — over here somewhere — (Points left of 
talbe). — Here was our whole reserve army hiding 
behind Paris. — {Illustrates his description ivith 
cakes of soap.) — Our beautiful city about to be 
obHterated. What did Papa Joffre do. HP2 
didn't hesitate one instant! HE knew where to 
go! He called on US — {Thumps his chest) — the 
taxicabs of Paris! We brought up our whole 
reserve so — so- — {Illustrates with lump sui^ar and 
indicates with hands) — so! My God, what a 
sight! — {Picks up lump of sugar). — There was 
Eloise in the very front going like a red-hot 
devil with seven soldiers inside of her and five 
on top! She rose to it in the end, the old girl! 
She was heroic! Gave everything she had — • 
never missed fire once — got. to the front line 
first — was hit with a shell — blew up — collapsed 
in the mud — {Kisses the lump of sugar as he 
collapses in chair Right.) — God rest her soul! — 
{He wipes his eyes with the hacks of his hands.) 

Arlette — {Hugging him) — ^Hurray for Eloise! 

Diane. — It was magnificent! — {Then, after a 
short pause). — Papa Boul — you — you never got 
any news of Chico? — {She comes doivn R.C.) 

Boul — {Shaking his heaad). — None. I was 
transferred to the Italian front after Mons. 

Diane — {Going to him). — But HE'LL come 
back soon with great tales, TOO, won't he, Boul? 

Boul. — ^Of course. 

(GoBiN, who during the foregoing has exchanged 
a despairing look or two with Arlette, now 
motions her out and Arlette nods understand- 
ingly. Both quietly go out across the roofs.) 

DiAtiE— {Sitting on arm of Boul's chiar). — 
Dear old friend, the sound of your voice is so 
good! These eyes saw him. These hands 
touched him — 

Boul. — This heart loved him ! Chico ! There 
WAS a man. He might have been a king! 

Diane. — You think so, too, Boul! It wasn't 
just because I loved him? 



86 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

BouL. — He was a wonderful man! 

Diane — (Sitting now on table). — He is a very 
remarkable fellow! You know, Boul, the first 
time I saw him when he rose from the ground 
there were stars on his hands! I saw them ! 

Boul. — Of course you did! 

Diane. — Then that glorious ride when you 
brought us here — to Heaven! 

BouL.^ — ^It's been a sad Heaven for you, I'm 
afraid ! 

Diane. — Why, no! I never told anyone this, 
but you'll understand — you won't laugh! 

Boul — (Pulling his chair over to her). — Laugh! 

Diane. — When he went away w^e promised 
that we would join each other in spirit every 
morning at 11 o'clock, and he's never failed me! 
Even when I was at the turning lathe in all 
that noise I would feel him so clearly standing at 
my side; and then when I went on the night 
shift and came back here mornings — no matter 
how tired, how deep in sleep, I would always 
wake up to find it 11 o'clock on the dot! 

(De Brissac enters. Boul, recognizing the 
uniform and De Brissac's rank, crosses Left aitd 
stands stiffly at salute.) 

Brissac. — I beg your pardon. — (Looks at 
Boul.) 

Diane — (Crossing to left of table). — An old 
friend of my husband's. 

Boul — (At attention). — Boul, corporal, 24th 
motor transport service. 

Brissac. — Of course — Boul! I remember 
you.-^(Crosses Center and to R.) — I'm glad 
you're here.^ — (He turns to Diane). — Diane 
needs good friends just now. — (Diane looks at 
him puzzled ,half frightened.) — I wanted to be 
with you when you received this news. I 
needn't tell you to be brave. 

Diane. — ^What news have you? 

Brissac — (Taking paper from pocket). — I wish 



SEVENTH H E A V K N 87 

to Heaven I could spare you. I have brought 
you these things myself. — (Lays notice on table.) 

Diane. — I don't believe it. 

Brissac. — This tintype — 

Diane. — No! 

Brissac. — His identification disc! 

Diane — (Weaker). — I won't — I won't believe 
it! 

Brissac. — - - and this religious medal. — (He 
has placed them on the table. Diane with a 
trembling hand picks up the medal, tries to bring 
it to her lips. She takes the one that hangs around 
her neck in the other hand and stares at them both 
far a moment. Then, turning, she runs to the 
open window at' the rear and attempts to jump.) 
— Look out! Quick — stop her! — (Boul, who 
is upstage, catches her just in time. They bring 
her down and seat her left of table.) — Boul, leave 
us alone! 

Boul — (Protesting). — But, if you please, Colo- 
nel, I — 

Brissac. — Go! — (Boul reluctantly salutes the 
Colonel, then, bending puts his unshaven cheek 
against her head a moment, and exits door left. 
Brissac steps behind her chair and raises a hand 
to lay upon her shoulder; ivith a helpless gesture 
he refrains, and stands for a moment, pulling at 
his mustache. He then goes to the ivindow, which 
he carefully closes. Returning to just back of her, 
looks down at Diane, as she now strikes the tabke 
in one spot with her fist.) 

Brissac — (After clearing his throat, in a low 
tone). — Diane, my poor child! 

Diane. — But he came to me? 

Brissac — (Not understanding, in a sympathetic 
tone). — Ye-es. 

Diane. — Then^ — ^he didn't come? 

Brissac— (5o///3') .— No- 
Diane. ^ — ^No — ^No, he couldn't have come. — 
(She has the tintype in her hand, looking at it 
steadfastly.) 



88 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

Brissac. — Courage. — {He touches her hand 
reassuringly.) 

Diane — {Bitterly; throwing his hand away). — 
Courage! 

Brissac — {Gently places his hand on her 
shoulder). — Diane, this is no poace for you now! 

Diane — {Like a child). — He never came at all! 

Brissac^ — {Again not understanding; with 
gentleness) . — No. 

Diane. — I just imagined that he came here, 
didn't I? 

Brissac — {Softly). — Yes. 

Diane. — It seems so foolish now! 

Brissac. — My poor Diane! 

Diane — {Shuddering) . — I was so sure! 

Brissac. — There — there — 

Diane. — ^I thought the Bon Dieu was helping 
me. For four years — what nonsense — what 
childish nonsense — 

Brissac. — {Coming D.L. of her.). — Diane! 
From now on I am going to take care of you. 

Diane — (Bitterly as she rises). — ^Yes. What 
does it matter? 

Brissac. — Come! — ^(De Brissac leads her to 
the door, where she stops, turns and wistfully 
regards the room). — I called it Heaven! — {A 
chime rings eleven. She eagerly goes back to the 
middle of the room, stands looking about as if 
waiting for something to happen. A faint light 
of hope comes into her eyes. Brissac patiently 
waits for her. Diane stands irresolute listening 
and looking about.) 

Brissac — {Alarmed). — 'What is it? 

Diane. — Eleven o'clock. I got so in the 
habit of believing. — {Shd removes her medal and 
lays it on the table.) — Fm right back at the begin- 
ning again. 

Brissac. — Come away, Diane — please,— (i7e 

holds out his arms to her.) 



S E V'E N T H ' H E A V E: N 89 

DiANi':. — Ye?i,yes.—^{Su(l(li"nly bo&mino of 
camion rattles the ichtdoivs. Again DiANii' sTops 
and they stare at. each other.) — Listen!— rXBiil;S$AC 
goes to the ivindoiv and flings it open. He stands 
in the sunlight as the full roar of the ..^'rnji slice 
hursts in on us. Bells, the booming of\ariitter'y, 
bands of music, trumpet-tongued, and tH'e , gfh^t 
roar of the many people.) . .'' ' ■',' . 

Brissac. — Lookl Look! It's over.— (Diai^]^ 
goes to the icindoiv as Brissac points below almost 
hysterically). — They've signed the armistice! 
The war is over! Look at them! Look! Oh, 
mon Dieu, France is Saved. — {Crosses D.L.) 

(BouL enters abruptly from Door Left and runs 
toivard De Brissac.) 

BouL — (Shouting). — Do you hear that! The 
war is over — over! 

Brissac — Yes, yes. God be praised. — (Boul 
embraces De Brissac who laughinly joins hands 
as they dance about in a circle. Diane stands 
leaning against the side of the window, her profile 
to the audience, looking into the street below. Go- 
BiN comes across the roofs, ivith Arlette and 
Chevillon) . 

Arlette. — \"ive la] 
France ! I 

GoBiN. — The war I 
—the war— no more( SPOKEN TOGETHER, 
war. No more ! 
OH! OH! 

Pere Chevillon. 
- — Gloria in excelsis! 

(Arlette seizes the armless sleeve of Gobin who 
in turn takes Boul's hand and all dance wildly 
around in a circle except Brissac luho goes up 
and closes window shutting out the noises. Chev- 
illon crosses D.R. and stands praying with his 
beads. Recan tumbles in covered ivith confetti 
and streamers.) 

Recan. — My Colonel — they've signed — they- 
ve signed! — {He closes door; throws confetti at 



90 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

them; runs to Diane and embraces her, as Bris- 
SAC throws him across left.) 

Brissac. — Leave her alone, idiot. 

Diane. — No — no, stop — stop — stop it!— 
(Since Brissac closed the uindow only a 
faint murmur is heard from the croivds below. 
Brissac is above table; all stop their hilarity and 
look at Diane, who has turned and seen Chevil- 
LON standing nearby with bowed head tellins, his 
beads.). — What are you doing — YOU? PRAY- 
ING? To WHAT I'd like to know? Tell 
me! Tell me! To a NONSENSE they call 
Bon Dieu? 

Brissac — (Going to her). — Diane, dear, don't. 

Diane. — Stand away — I know what I'm 
talking about. For four years I believed I was 
married and there was a Bon Dieu protecting 
mel— (Sneers).— BON DIEU! There's noth- 
ing! It's all false. My hope in Chico was false. 
I pretended this place was Heaven. I clung to 
that Idea as Chico told me to — but it's all 
collapsed — he's dead. Now when I want your 
Bon Dieu MOST he's not here. He does not 
exist. There's nothing, NOTHING, NOTH- 
ING! 

Brissac. — Diane, dear, please come away 
with me. 

Diane — (Incoherently). — Yes. That's right, 
take me wherever you want me to go — anywhere 
the war's over, isn't it? It's over — it's over — 
it's over! — (Diane goes straight to Brissac and 
into his arms.) 

Brissac — (Soothing her as a child). — Diane, 
my poor girl — I know how you've suffered, but 
I'll care for you — I love you! — I love you! — 
(She is unresisting in his arms and he tenderly 
kisses her. His face is down-stage; hers is up so 
the audience cannot see her. Brissac is kissing 
Diane for the third time as Chico enters, joyfully 
pushing his ivay through BouL, Arlette, Go- 
bin and Recan ivho are cluttered at the door. 



SEVENTH HEAVEN 91 

Chico is hatless, disheveled and in rags. Covered 
'with confetti.) 

Chico — {Radiant). — Diane, Diane! — {Sloivly, 
as one who sees a ghost, Diane looks at him. In 
horror and dismay).- — Diane! — {Feeling his tone of 
accusation, Diane stands as one of stone.) Enter 
Hospital Attendant with Red Cross brassard 
on arm. He is out of breath.) 

Attendant. — You shouldn't, Chico- — you 
shouldn't have left the hospital. 

Chico — {Push him away in fury as he stares 
at De Brossac and Diane). — Get away from 
me — get out of my way! — {Take a menacing 
step toward Diane). 

Diane — {In terror and quickly). — Don't look 
at me like that! 

Chico — {Groping toward her). — Bebe where 
are you ? 

Diane — {Goes to him, looks and passes her 
hand before his face, then drops to her knees. 

Chico — {Feeling her arms). — Ah ! Cherie, my 
eyes are still filled with you — It's all ture — and 
I thought the Bon Dieu had failed me! 

Chico. — {Raising her). — He has not, Bebe, at 
the hospital they thought I was dead — but when 
I woke up — In Paris — Near YOU — snake of 
snakes, they COULDN'T hold me. Death? 
Bah! I've been hit by everv shell that's made. 
But nothing can kill me! ' I'll NEVER die! 
And I'll see they can't keep ME blind — because 
it's all true cherie — those big thoughts I had were 
the Bon Dieu after all. He is within us — now 
that I am blind, I see that. I tell you, I'm a 
very remarkable fellow! 



CURTAIN 



92 SEVENTH HEAVEN 

PROPERTY PLOT 

ACT I.— 

Off Right: 2 bottles wine 

brooch 

pail 

written note for Aunt Valentine 

100-franc note 

notebook and pencil 

broom 

cloth platter 

sausage 

onion 

Cheese 
Off Left: hose 

brief case and papers 

whip 

4 tin watches 

missal 

snuff box 

cards 

lamplighter's stick 

religious medals 
Off — under \cigarettes 
stage:] long knife 
In taxi: loaf of bread 

ACT IL— 

Off — underltin type 

stage |>gold watch and chain 
Left: jpipe 

large box containing wedding clothes 

white rose 

handful of coins 

check 

paper (document) 

whip 
Off Left: Cap and Coat (Gobin) 

ACT IIL— 

Off Under! Vanity bag 
stage Left:/ Bag of potatoes 

Pay envelope and notice 

2 bottles champagne 

confetti and streamers 

medal and chain 

bandanna handkerchief containing 
tintype, identification tag and 
medal 
Off Left: French newspaper 

cakes of soap 

cubes sugar 



Printed in Canada by 
GEO. H. POPHAM, LIMITED 
124 Queen St._ Ottawa 
November, 1922 ' 



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